Tavy links Apr-May 2016

Tavy Links Tavistock • Mary Tavy • Kilworthy • Moortown Whitchurch • Horndon • Lamerton • Grenofen • Brentor Gulworthy • Peter Tavy • Horsebridge • Milton Abbot

Apr/ May 2016

Safety on Dartmoor Day 16 Pages of What’s On Listings!

Tavistock Festival - A full 'Pull Out' Guide

Issue 18 £1.50 where sold

Delivered FREE by your postman to all PL19 0, 8 and 9 postcodes

(a guaranteed circulation of more than 9000 homes and businesses)

LET BY

01752 7599

05

“THE M&B RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS FULLY-MANAGED SERVICE WITH RENT GUARANTEE IS ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE AND BEST AVAILABLE” In an increasingly complex world, the choice of agent to look after one of our most valuable assets is extremely important. Our aim is to help Landlords, minimise risk and maximise return by providing a professional, stress free, tailor-made approach to property management. Our understanding and knowledge of the residential markets throughout the region enables us to provide the advice our clients are looking for.

4 FULLY MANAGED or LET ONLY SERVICE 4 RENTAL GUARANTEE 4 REFERENCING 4 QUALIFIED MEMBERS OF NAEA, ARLA, APIP, TDS & OMBUDSMAN 4 LOCAL AREA KNOWLEDGE 4 PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE VALUATION

M&B Residential Lettings, 77 Upland Drive, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 6BE T: 01752 759905 F: 01752 785027 E: lettings@mblettings.co.uk

www.mblettings.co.uk

CONTENTS

It’s all about Music and Art…..

As you will see from our front cover image, the great majority of this magazine seems to be dedicated to music and art. April and May see two months full of events in association with the Tavistock Festival from brass band concerts, choir concerts, musical productions and several art exhibitions throughout the town and the surrounding area. There really is something for everyone, so do look at the full eight page guide we have put together in the centre of the magazine and enjoy some fantastic days and evenings out.

CONTENTS

4. Community News

Gig Rowing, DNP Local Plan and Heritage Competition and Rotary Round-Up

15. Education

Rebecca is encouraging us all to get outdoors and active!

Spurred on by our article from Dr Harriet Doyle about the potential hazards of too much screen time for our children (p24/25) and with the days getting longer and drier, Rebecca Martin has put together some excellent family ideas for getting children outdoors and active within our education section (p15) We have so many wonderful places to explore on our doorstep, not least the great open spaces of Dartmoor, so there really is no excuse!

18. Kids What’s On

Another great day out and written up as our Feature for this issue, is the ‘Safety on Dartmoor Day’ held in Lydford, with most, if not all, our emergency services taking part, including displays by the MoD and all being well, a fly past by a Battle of Britain Spitfire (p54).

WE DON’T JUST PUBLISH MAGAZINES!

We mentioned in our last issue that we were launching our new community website – well it is now up and running and jam packed full of articles, events, places to visit as well as a full What’s On guide for the months ahead. Make sure you visit it regularly! We also have the facility for local organisations or individuals to upload any event dates directly on to the website themselves – take a look, known foryou ourthrough magazines or We giveare us avery call well and we’ll talk it. - Tavy Links and Moor Links, but we also provide additional marketing support www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk services to many local businesses.

From magazine to a brochure, Enjoy the music, art and getting outa full-blown and about!

Lizzie

leaflet, a new logo or business cards as well as design for your social media sites.

We can provide you with full design, copywriting and print services ensuring you get the right message to your target audience.

Best of all - we can do all of this at affordable prices that won’t break your piggy bank!

editorial@moorlinks.co.uk 01822 853110

20. Charity Focus

WE’D TO HELP… The deadline for anyLIKE inclusions in the June/July Contact Lizzie or Tim for more information 01822 853110 issue is Friday 6th May www.olijam.co.uk lizzie@olijam.co.uk We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our many contributors for so kindly giving us their time and expertise, in helping keep our magazine so interesting to all.

THE OLIJAM TEAM: Editor: Lizzie Watt Publisher: Tim Randell Deputy Editor: Rosemary Best Publishing Assistant: Liz Whitwell Writers: Rosemary Best, Nichola Williams Design: Terri Reeves, Julian Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Kate McCormick

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Rosemary meets Mark Hoar a supporter of Parkinson’s UK

26. Gardening

Sue Fisher on what we should be planting now and Suzy Kraike on designing a Potager

34. What’s On

Jam packed as usual with events for everyone!

37. Tavistock Festival

Our eight page pull out guide for two months of music, art, drama, film and lectures.

54. Feature

Safety on Dartmoor Day

60. Dog Walk with Elaine and Finlay

Stones rows at Merrivale

62. Food & Wine

A delicious Moroccan Lamb Tagine and wine of all varieties.

70. History

design&print

Lots to keep everyone happy during the holidays

Our Lady of the Assumption and St Mary Magdalen Tavistock

ALL Advertising enquiries

Contact Tim, Jane or Kate on 07450 161 929 / 01822 615627 to disuss your advertising enquiries.

Email: advertising@tavylinks.co.uk or visit our website: www.tavylinks.co.uk to view our rate card.

Please note that the opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the editorial team.

We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that Tavy Links or Olijam Communications Ltd accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. All data contained in advertisements are subject to the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines and are accepted by us in good faith at the time of going to press. Reproduction of editorial is strictly prohibited without prior permission from the publisher.

All rights reserved copyright © 2016

3

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tavy Turners & Carvers Club Tavy Turners is a small club with a membership of around 25, we meet monthly in the Scout Hut at Pixon Lane in Tavistock.

There is a good mix of ages, lots of skill and enthusiasm. The expertise is gladly shared. We are happy for you to come along as a visitor if you would like to see what we are all about.

Annual membership fee is £25 for an adult and less if you are under 18. Only £1 if you come as a visitor. You will never look at a tree in the same way again, and as for burning the wood, well, there is always a bit that can be put aside to turn at a later date. We all have hoards set aside for just this purpose.

Below is a copy of our Meetings and Competitions for 2016/17 Do come and join us we would love to welcome new members.

Telephone Elaine 01752839376.

18th April 7.30pm. Demonstration by Eric Anning from Plymouth Woodturners. The competition is a needle/tooth pick box.

16th May 7.30. Demonstration by Mark Hancock. The competition is a 6” bud vase.

29th May is the Tavistock Steam Fair at Bedford Car Park. The woodturners will be there all day.

For more info see: www.tavistockwoodturners.org.uk

Wedding Fairs

The Bedford Hotel Sunday 10th April

Two Bridges Hotel Sunday 17th April

v Free Entry v Free fizz and canapés v Visit our superb wedding venues v 12 noon until 4pm v Meet a range of suppliers to help with your special day

v A chance to win a romantic dinner for two

The Bedford Hotel, 1 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8BB. weddings@bedford-hotel.co.uk Tel: 01822 613221 www.bedford-hotel.co.uk

4

Two Bridges Hotel, Princetown, Dartmoor, Devon, PL20 6SW. weddings@twobridges.co.uk Tel: 01822 892300 www.twobridges.co.uk

To promote your business to 15,000 homes - call 01822 615627

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

Talented young entrepreneurs A team of five Tavistock College pupils and their new enterprise ‘Tyre Fires of Tavistock’ recently attended Buckingham Palace in the presence of Peter Jones and HRH The Duke of York as finalists of a national enterprise competition ‘Tycoon in Schools’.

Tycoon in Schools challenges youngsters to set up their own real-life business using a loan of up to £1000 provided by the Peter Jones Foundation, raising as much profit as possible during a seven week trading period.

The group impressed with a range of stylish fire pits made from recycled wheel rims. The ambitious sixth formers sourced the rims from a respected local scrap yard, negotiating a reduced price for the raw materials. The fire pits are formed when two rims are welded together and a hole cut for the door using an angle grinder, followed by scrupulous quality checks.

The team made an impressive £1327 profit, during the trading period but were however keen to use some of this profit to provide support for a fellow student during a time of difficulty.

Team member Phoebe Sanders said, “Currently we are discussing within our team plans for the rest of the year but hope to continue trading as a sustainable business.”

Sarah Holt, Head of Humanities and Business Studies at Tavistock College, commented: ‘how incredibly proud Tavistock College is of the team’s achievements, especially their passion for their business and determination to succeed.’

Telling the story of Tavistock – Competition Tavistock Townscape Heritage Initiative have recently launched their competition to all local school children to tell the story of Tavistock in whatever medium they would like; poetry, art, drama or film. They are able to pick any period of history, with perhaps a focus on a person or people connected to the town.

Submissions can be from a group of up to four or as an individual and there are £1000 worth of IT prizes to be won from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Wates, from Mount Kelly to Mr Brittain and entries from all other schools to be submitted to Mr Carl Hearn at Tavistock Town Council.

The closing day is 29th April when a panel of judges will decide on the winning entries. These will then be developed with the help of Plymouth University to digitize the story and place it on the ‘digital wall’ of Tavistock.

Teachers at schools are helping students develop their ideas with entries from Tavistock College to be submitted to Mr

Our office is open every weekday 10am-3pm for valuations For larger larger consignments consignments or or furniture, furniture aa home visit may be arranged arranged Please telephone for professional advice, or email images to enquiries@eldreds.net

ELDREDS FINE ART AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS

We specialise in valuations for auction, insurance and probate

Victorian diamond and pearl Meissen cockerel pendant SOLD £5,200 SOLD £8,600

Collection of & antique andring Emerald diamond vintage cameras SOLD £7,400 SOLD £6,000

Cary’s celestial globepot 1799 Cary’s Rarecelestial 18thC Chinese Russian enamel globe SOLD bottle£12,500 vase SOLD £12,500 £13,500 1799, SOLD SOLD £10,000

Wehold holdregular regular We auctionsfor for auctions antiquefurniture, furniture, antique paintings, paintings, ceramics,glass, glass, ceramics, clocks,gold, gold, clocks, silver,jewellery, jewellery, silver, antiquarian antiquarian books, books stamps, medals, and collectors’ coins and items antiquarian collectors’ books, stamps, items medals, coins & collectors’ items’

1 Belliver Way, Roborough, Plymouth, PL6 7BP T: (01752) 721199 F: (01752) 786042 enquiries@eldreds.net www.eldreds.net

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dartmoor National Park – Local Plan We have just adopted our “Statement of Community Involvement” (SCI) for Dartmoor National Park planning. This document sets the main ways in which we engage with communities, business, organisations and individuals around planning. This Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out our plans for involving the public in considering planning applications and preparing the Local Plan for Dartmoor National Park. The SCI has the following aims:

We hold a list of the main organisations we expect to notify of local plan consultation, as well as a mailing list of private companies and individuals who have asked us to contact them. This list is not published, and if you wish to be added or removed from either list please contact: forwardplanning@dartmoor.gov.uk

• To ensure that everyone has the maximum opportunity to participate in and contribute to the review and preparation of planning policy and other planning guidance;

The review of the SCI marks the first step in the process of reviewing the local plan. The policies in the local plan are the basis for decisions on planning applications in the national park. As we review the plan we’d like to hear the views of as many people as possible. If you would like to be notified of consultation and events please let us know, and if you would like to tell us how best to talk about the local plan with you, we are keen to hear your ideas.

• To consult in a way which meets the needs of different groups so that public participation is helpful, effective and relevant; • To target engagement to ensure the appropriate statutory consulted parties and interest groups are involved.

To view the SCI online go to: www.dartmoor.gov.uk

Serving Rural Communities West Devon Borough Council recently set its budget for the next financial year detailing how the Council will continue delivering vital services to its rural communities for the next twelve months. Currently councils receive their funding from three main sources, Central Government Grants, Council Tax and Business Rates.

Of the Council Tax that the Borough Council collects, only 12% goes towards paying for services that West Devon deliver, the rest goes directly to the County Council, the emergency services and Towns and Parishes. West Devon Borough Council were told how much money they would be given by Central Government, their government finance settlement. There was some good news with a one off payment of a rural services delivery grant.

Leader of West Devon Borough Council explained: "We are delighted that the Government has recognised that pound for pound it costs rural councils more than it costs cities to deliver basic services such as waste collection. The rural services delivery grant is definitely a welcome boost, but this is just a one off grant payment and does not raise our income permanently year on year. We also know that our main government grant will disappear completely by 2018, as such we know that we will have to become much more commercially aware in order to continue delivering the services that our residents are used to.”

At a meeting of the Full Council, all West Devon Borough Council members unanimously voted to increase the amount of Council Tax the Borough Council charges by 2.4 %. On a band D property, this is an increase of £5 per year to £213.39.

NOT HEARING PROPERLY?

You are one phone call away from changing your life New Ear Wax Removal Instant effect, your hearing will be clearer and brighter. No mess procedure and no need to pre-oil your ears

Alistair Kinsey

Hearing . Mobility 1a Pym Street Tavistock PL19 0AW Info@hearingmobility.co.uk www.hearingmobility.co.uk Find us on facebook for latest news & products

Book Now 01822 617883 The help you need straight away – no waiting!

Home visits arranged . Fine tuning hearing aids Full range of Mobility equipment in store 6

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

A year in the life of Tamar & Tavy Gig Club

With a new season upon us and the 2016 race calendar taking shape, it’s nice to reflect on the past years’ events.

some wild wind and lumpy water on Loch Ness, there was hardly a drop of rain and plenty of sunshine.

The club have had an incredibly successful year not only competing in our usual races such as the gruelling 5 mile Three Rivers Race in Saltash but adventuring off to uncharted territory (well for us anyway). Back in May we entered The World Pilot Gig Championships, where we shipped our beautiful boats Tamar and Ginette over to the Isles of Scilly, along with a veteran crew, two mens and two ladies crews. The race conditions were rough with some chopping water, wind and rain, all of which just helped to increase the sense of achievement with all the training coming to fruition, with some great results.

Just a few weeks later and Ginette (with a few of the same hardy crew) was shipped off again for The Great London River Race, at 21 miles through some of London’s most stunning landmarks and some 330 crews from all over the world, it really was a spectacle like no other and now a regular event on our racing schedule.

In late August 2015, we sent our lovely boat Ginette all the way to Fort William in Scotland, with a boat crew of 10 and a land crew of 5 (equipped with a van and vital tea making facilities). We began an epic 4 day row along the Caledonian Canal to Inverness, this mammoth trek was a total of 66 miles and passed through 29 locks, with camping each night along the way. The crew were incredibly lucky with the weather, despite

With 2016 now shaping up to be another great year with the racing season underway and training for the World Championships in full swing, we’re also very excited to announce that building work has begun on our new boat shed at Weir Quay.

If you’d like to join us on our next adventure or just want to get fit and enjoy the river during our social rows, then you can find out more at www.tamarandtavygigclub.co.uk or facebook.com/ tamartavygig.

Come and enjoy morning coffee by the roaring log fires Take afternoon tea or a light lunch in the beautiful courtyard Lunch and Dinner are both served in our elegant and relaxed dining rooms A private chefs restaurant for special occasions Please call for a copy of our Diary of Events We welcome non residents and are open all year

A Family Run Hideaway in Devon See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

LEWDOWN, OKEHAMPTON, DEVON EX20 4PN TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1566 783 222

EMAIL: INFO@LEWTRENCHARD.CO.UK WEB: WWW.LEWTRENCHARD.CO.UK

7

Care Services for your loved ones Devon and Cornwall Care Services

specialise in providing professional support and care for you, your relatives or friends n Personal

Care service n Meal Preparation n Cleaning Service n We are able to work with any type of care no matter how complex n Sitting

We have packages to suit your needs and we are registered with the Care Quality Commission Free, no obligation initial meeting All managers and Carers are DBS (CRB) checked

Devon and Cornwall Care Services t. 01822 610734/611221 email: pauline_daccs@yahoo.co.uk www.daccservices.com

4 Abbey Place (at the side of the main Post Office)

1st Floor, Tavistock, Pl19 0AA

Caring for People in the Community

Family breakdown?

Through negotiation and agreement our aim is to resolve any family disputes as quickly as possible, to limit the cost in both financial and emotional terms, allowing you to move forward with your life.

We can help Family disputes can be stressful and acrimonious. We give clear and sensitive advice on all areas of Family Law, including separation, divorce, children, financial settlement and cohabitation/prenuptial agreements. We also deal with domestic violence, harassment, protection orders and injunctions.

The new firm can now provide a wider range of services to Clients in the Tavistock and surrounding areas including agricultural matters, landlord & tenant, insolvency, litigation, wills & probate, debt recovery, residential and commercial property. Just ask us!

For more information please contact us on 01822 617666 or tavistock@cwcsolicitors.co.uk 8 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8AY

Offices also located at Mutley Plain & Torpoint, but if you are unable to attend at the office, we offer HOME VISITS!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Rotary Clubs of Tavistock and Yelverton Round-Up The recent weeks of bad weather may not have been the best we’ve ever had but that hasn’t slowed down our two local Rotary clubs, Tavistock and Yelverton. In fact, we’ve been unbelievably busy in the past few weeks.

As in previous years, the two rounds of our annual Youth Speaks Competition held at Mount Kelly and Tavistock College uncovered brilliant speakers from schools throughout the area.

It always amazes us that children as young as 10 and 11 can speak so well on subjects as diverse as “Is it ever right to tell a lie?” and “Should dads be allowed to dance in public?” Six teams, including Mount Kelly College, Tavistock College and Tavistock Community Primary School fought off stiff competition from schools throughout Devon and Cornwall to go through to the District Finals at Torquay.

Tavistock Club also organised our first Young Photographer of the Year Competition. This uncovered a huge range of young local talent and it was no easy job for the judges to declare 17 year-old William Dax from Tavistock College the overall winner, with Amy Brimacombe (Tavistock College) the Intermediate winner and Zi Thomson (Horrabridge Primary School) the Junior winner.

Tavistock Club also joined with the Inner Wheel Club to host a Race Night at the Parish Rooms that raised over £600 for local Parkinsons and Dementia Charities.

The highlight, though, was the derby Rotary District Skittles Semifinal between Yelverton and Tavistock at the Prince of Wales in Princetown. The exhausted losers, Yelverton, argued that they had fought their way through two rounds whilst Tavistock had had it easy since their previous two opponents

hadn’t turned up. Tavistock’s captain Tony Parker explained that superior skill, training and stamina had won through.

In April, the Yelverton Club will host guests from local care homes and the Memory Café at their Spring Tea Party with music and a quiz at the Yelverton Memorial Hall. This year’s party is generously sponsored by Tesco’s Tavistock store, to whom we are massively grateful.

On May 29th, also at the Memorial Hall, Yelverton Club will be running a car boot sale to raise funds for local charities.

Recently, we have supported Princetown Youth Club, two young people taking part in sporting events and a conservation project abroad, and we have provided kitchen equipment and supplies for the Youth 2 Youth club in Bere Alston.

The Tavistock club continues to work with the Tavistock Dementia Action Alliance, Tavistock Lions and other local organisations to create a Sensory Garden in the Meadows and, once again, is a leading light in organising the Tavistock Heritage Festival in the autumn.

If you would like to help in any way, or if you would like to join either Club, please contact us through our websites, or contact grahamparker1@me.com.

Volunteers Wanted Princetown Community Centre and the Plough and Share Credit Union at Princetown are seeking volunteers. If you can spare a couple of ours a week why not call in to the Community Centre on a Wednesday morning after 11.00 to find out more.

Or call Mike Fitzpatrick on 01822 890799

Morris Bros (Tavistock) Ltd Your Local Funeral Director

Death alters the course of daily life for all those closest to the person who has died and arranging any funeral can be distressing, which is why choosing the right funeral director to ease you through the process can make all the difference. We understand the pain of loss and open our doors to you, offering both practical guidance and personal comfort which often extends far beyond the day of the funeral.

Simon and Lucie Luke are the fifth generation of the Morris family. We live on the premises and are available to you 24 hours a day.

We offer a qualified, professional service to help you through this traumatic time. Your loved one will stay with us, their care, attention and preparation will only be provided by us.

Contact Simon & Lucie Luke – we are here when you need us Morris Bros (Tavistock) Ltd

www.morrisbros.co.uk | 01822 612023 | info@morrisbros.co.uk | The Old Bedford Foundry, Lakeside, Tavistock PL19 0AZ

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

9

LOCAL PEOPLE

Graham Parker With his years of expertise in town planning and an involvement in many regeneration schemes across the country, Graham now uses his planning expertise as a councillor for Tavistock South West Ward.

After spending 40 years working in town and country planning on large-scale commercial and leisure projects and residential developments of as many as 1000 houses, he is now really enjoying having the opportunity to apply his experience and expertise to council issues, as well as helping local residents.

Graham moved to Whitchurch four years ago and as a new resident immediately got involved with other residents in opposing the Anderton Lane planning application. His wealth of experience in planning was obvious and he was quickly asked if he would consider becoming a councillor.

Graham grew up in Sheffield and worked as a shot blaster in the local steel industry when he left school. He was also an accomplished viola player and almost considered a career in music but ended up opting to study Town and Country Planning in Liverpool. However the clubs and booming Mersey music scene of the 1960s proved too great a distraction and he decided education wasn't for him at that point and he took a job on the railways as a porter.

In 1970, his daughter Emma was born and her birth helped him to come to terms with the fact that a career on the railway wasn't what he was looking to get out of life. Consequently, he rejoined the college course, this time applying his full attention to his studies and, in stark contrast to his previous attempt, achieving a Distinction.

He successfully applied for a position with Bristol City Council where he worked for the next 18 years in charge of planning policy and the regeneration of Bristol Historic Harbour.

In 1992 he decided that the time was right for him to branch out on his own and set up an independent planning consultancy, CSJ Planning, based in Bristol. One of the schemes he had the pleasure of working on was the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bristol when he commissioned an artist to make the building 'disappear' by using his grandfather's wartime naval camouflage colour chart. The former Bristol & West tower was re-clad 10

in glass panels of varying shades of blue, with darker glass at the bottom and lighter panels towards the top, so that the tower 'merged' into the sky. He worked on numerous planning developments and town centre regeneration schemes throughout the country and was even involved in early appraisals of the Royal William Yard and in leading the planning team on the first Lidl proposal in Tavistock.

In 2008, he sold his shares in the Bristol consultancy and set up a new Birmingham consultancy, PJ Planning in partnership with his best friend, rock bass player John Jowitt. As time went by, as well as his commercial work, he thoroughly enjoyed working with residents’ groups and local businesses. He also remembers particularly fondly working on an application for a doctor's surgery in Staffordshire which took two and half years to be approved; the doctors were so grateful that, last summer, they asked Graham to formally open the building and installed a plaque with his name - the only downside was that as he was leaving the opening ceremony he overheard someone asking ''Who is Graham Parker?"

Since moving to Devon with his wife Ginnie, Graham enjoys walking with their dog, Gemma - in fact he is a great advocate of walking and public transport, as he has never learnt to drive.

He is also still very much involved in the Rotary Movement after 20 years in its service, including a year as President of his Bristol Club in 1998.

He retired from his planning consultancy in 2014 after being diagnosed with Leukemia and for many people this alone would have been enough of a challenge to deal with as he is now undergoing chemotherapy treatment. However he went on to stand for election as a councillor and is determined to represent the people that elected him. He states quite matter-of-factly that "I’ve got nothing to complain about. There are a lot of people out there, including colleagues on the Council, who are in worse health than me. Life is good "

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

Jenny Aveyard Jenny is a very talented illustrator and now the creator of our new lovable otter.

Jenny was born and brought up in Broughty Ferry, described as the 'jewel in Dundee's crown', and from an early age was fascinated by animals - in particular dogs. She also loved drawing and even as a young child she was constantly sketching dogs both real and imaginary.

published in October 2015 she had sold 1000 by the start of 2016.

A Dog's Guide to Happiness is available locally at Bookstop (Tavistock) or online at adogsguidetohappiness.co.uk (price: £5.99)

Jenny studied a degree in Textiles and Design and after graduating she went on to a brief stint at the Museum of Scottish Tartans where her most interesting experience involved exhibiting an extremely large pair of bloomers belonging to John Brown! However this was swiftly followed by a year in interior design in Glasgow, before landing her dream job with a London company which specialised in wall coverings, where she worked exclusively with architects.

Then in a bit of a baptism of fire, Jenny moved to Devon with her husband Nick and their four-week-old daughter, Chloe. She continued to take painting commissions and later worked in sales and marketing for a number of years at Broadley Speaking in Tavistock. More recently she has been working on the illustrations for A Dog’s Guide to Happiness. Of 2000 copies

don’t leave your golden egg to the goose! your future depends on what you do today call Hansford Bell on : 01822 617960 look at our website: www.hansfordbell.co.uk

Culver House, 13 West Street, TAVISTOCK PL19 8AN

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

11

LOCAL PEOPLE

Andrew Wilson

otherwise might not have a chance to experience. Despite his new role as President, Andrew is still keen to maintain a handson approach to the festival and this year he will be running a workshop on Coleridge-Taylor's 'Hiawatha's Wedding Feast'.

RockinBikes

.CO.UK

Andrew has been involved in producing concerts and giving lectures at the Tavistock Festival ever since it first started and he is honoured to follow in the footsteps of Adam Hart-Davis and Sarah Walker. He is delighted to be able to support an event which firmly places Tavistock on the map and brings in professional musicians and artists to the South West. The festival offers opportunities for local people, as well as visitors, to appreciate concerts, exhibitions and performances that they

Andrew Wilson grew up in Bedfordshire and his musical aptitude was evident from a very early age; by the time he was seven he was already composing music. After becoming a chorister in Luton, as well as learning to play the organ and the clarinet, his accomplished performance skills won him a Junior Exhibition Award Scholarship to attend music lessons at Trinity College of Music in London. He went on to study music at the Royal Holloway College of London University before commencing a career teaching music at Papplewick School in Ascot, and later Royal Grammar School in Worcester. He moved to Tavistock with his family in 1992 when he was appointed Director of Music at Kelly College, where he also took on the

A range of bikes, clothing and accessories to suit all needs • • • • • •

Sales Cycle Hire Servicing and Repairs Gift Vouchers Custom Build Specialists Premium Scott E-Bike Test Centre Quality Brands, Quality Service and Friendly Expert Knowledge Unit 7+8 Harrowbeer Mews, Leg O’ Mutton, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6WE

01822 258 022 Open 7 days a week. Free parking.

12

To promote your business to 15,000 homes - call 01822 615627

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

A prolific and talented composer, Andrew will be the new Festival President for this year’s Tavistock Festival.

Director of Studies. He has won several awards and last year he won the international Small Choirs' Composing Competition 2015, he was a finalist in the composition competition at Greyfriars Festival of Worship and the Arts, and a finalist for The Ray Bardsley Carol Composition Prize 2015. He says that the real reward for composition is having your music performed and he is looking forward to the first performance of a new piece for the Tavistock Festival , "A Tavy Dance Suite" which will be played by the Chamber Ensemble of London.

role of conductor of the Kelly Choral Society. At about the same time he started composing in earnest and his first published works began entering the music scene.

Andrew has composed numerous works ranging from sonatas for individual instruments to quartets to full choral and orchestral works. His years of teaching have helped him to acquire at least a rudimentary knowledge of most instruments, in fact he reckons he could play 'God save the Queen' on any instrument! All of his compositions have been created from a shed in his garden - albeit a very comfortable, heated and well-equipped shed. He finds that the confined space aids his creativity and helps him concentrate.

ndrew Wilson’s music is published by Blackingstone Music Publishing and Spartan - for more details about his compositions or to commission a work visit www.andrew-m-wilson.com

Andrew Wilson's works have been performed across the UK and in many international venues. In addition he was recently appointed to the board of the National College of Music as

Rosemary Best

Professional advice when considering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is essential.

Your Wills, Trust & Probate

Prepare for the future with a Lasting Power of Attorney

GA Solicitors has a specialist and experienced team which works on a fixed fee basis and can meet you at home or in our Plymouth city centre office.

In the event of you losing mental capacity without an LPA in place, your affairs will be dealt with under supervision of the court. This can be both expensive and long winded. Let our specialist STEP and SFE accredited team help.

YOUR LEGAL CHAMPION

For more information visit www.GAsolicitors.com or call 01752 YOUR BUSINESS

203500 YOUR FAMILY

YOUR EMPLOYMENT

YOUR DISPUTE RESOLUTION

YOUR WILLS, TRUST & PROBATE

YOUR CONVEYANCING

YOUR INJURY

Gill Akaster LLP trading as GA Solicitors, registered number OC344691. Place of registration England and Wales. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority number 511139.

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

13

SHEBBEAR Prep | Senior | Sixth Form

Affordable high quality independent education • • • • • • • •

Free express daily bus from Tavistock centre Weekly boarding scholarships available New Music Building for September New Sixth Form Centre Small class sizes Excellent academic results 85 acre rural campus Outstanding pastoral care

Find out more, come and visit us on our OPEN DAY on MONDAY 2nd MAY 2016 www.shebbearcollege.co.uk 14

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

EDUCATION

Outdoors and Active!

Top tips whilst out and about with your children.

At work I have been thinking about getting pupils outside more often and of course when you work in education and have children: life starts to imitate work.

We are all aware that many children today are not playing outside as much as they perhaps should. This is due in part to changes in work patterns for parents and how safe we feel our children are out-and-about. Children are therefore missing out on the health benefits that the outdoors brings, often spending many hours indoors playing on tablets and watching TV. In the pursuit of my own children being healthy and active, I have learnt some very valuable lessons along the way that I wanted to share with you.

My three top tips when taking the children out and about:

Always Pack Snacks Two things will happen when you are outside.

Either you will enjoy yourself so much you spend longer out than expected which will result in hungry children or you will arrive in the middle of no-where and the children will decide they are ‘starving’ and don’t stop moaning until their stomachs have been replenished.

Invest in Pocket Books about Nature There is nothing worse than being out with the children only for them to test your very limited knowledge of the flora and fauna around you.

I can guarantee there will always be someone standing nearby to add to the embarrassment. There are also lots of apps you can download that will help you - from bird identification to types of fungi.

Our Education Section has kindly been put together by Rebecca Martin from Exciting Education

Always Have a Clean Set of Clothes It doesn’t matter whether you say ‘please do not get wet/dirty/roll’ – they will. The water will always be too tempting and always too high for their wellies – despite the numerous times you say ‘I think that is too deep’!

Remember to pack a plastic bags or bin liner for the wet items on the return journey.

Piano Tuition

• 15 years experience • One-to-one to all ages and abilities • Music theory up to Grade 5 • 2 pianos and full resource library Good technique through enjoyable repertoire is the key to success.

Improves self-discipline, determination, motor skills, memory and non-verbal reasoning.

Eleanor Jones DipABRSM 6 Glanville Road, Tavistock PL19 0EA 01822 616 704 / 07850 683 383 www.tavistockpianoteacher.com

Tavistock Piano Teacher 15

EDUCATION

Out for a Walk with Children of all Ages

How lucky we are to live in such an amazing area of beauty; it is so easy to get the children outside when the adventures are so exciting. We have selected some of our local walks that will keep children of all ages amused and active, whilst taking in all that fresh air!

Burrator Arboretum Suitable for Babies to Adults!

• Paths suitable for pushchairs.

• This walk can be as long or as short as you want it to be.

• There are nature facts for all ages.

• Flat ground and easy walking with a variety of views.

• A nature pond full of interesting mini beasts!

• Free parking Always be careful with children near water and keep an everwatchful eye!

Tamar Trails - Bedford United Trail

Walks for 5 to 9 year olds • Lots of activity at Tree Surfer /Tamar Trails (tree surfing, archery, survival skills etc) • Not too long, not too short – just right!

• Look-out platforms to see the river below • Wildlife – watch ants marching off to ant mounds!

• Free activity bags available from the Tamar Trails team • Stop for lunch, coffee or cake at the Beech Café • Parking £2 all day.

Dartmoor Walks for all ages but perfect for children aged 2 to 4 • Lots of space for running and building physical skills • Generally soft and grassy for falling over • Rocks to climb and jump off (adults need to supervise!)

• Plenty of wildlife to spot • Ponies and sheep to count – everywhere!

• Trees and rocks to hide behind.

Drakes Trail and Geocaching Tavistock to Yelverton Walks for children aged 9+ • Trail can be walked or cycled with relative ease • Hidden treasures – geocaching boxes hidden all along the route • Great pit stops at either Drakes Café, Grenofen or the Dartmoor Bakery, Yelverton • Download the trails at www.drakestrail.co.uk or www. geocaching.com.

Look who's turned up....

Here's our new friend the otter who will be popping up in every issue of the magazine in various places for you to spot. He hasn't got a name as yet so we thought that you might like to name him.

Please visit our new website and tell us your name suggestions. We will announce the winning name and the person who chose it, in our June/July issue of Tavy Links. www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk In this issue we have put him in 7 times (not including this one) can you spot him?

16

N W O D O G S ’ ET L TO THE FARM

Tavistock Community Pre-school has benefitted from a recent change in venue that links the outside environment with pre-school learning.

Made entirely from up-cycled materials (and a lot of hard-work), the Tavistock Community Pre-school Farm is definitely outdoor learning at its best.

The Vision

Nursery manager Mary Bradford grew up on farms and ranches; spending her days outside learning from the land. She noticed in recent years that nursery children have been lacking certain physical skills that are essential to their development and this is becoming worse every year. She attributed this to the modern lifestyle of TV and computers and decided to counteract this in her work; thus, the Tavistock Community Pre-school Farm vision was formed.

The Place

Although the nursery still runs from the Alexander Centre, it re-locates on Fridays to a working farm – owned by Mary’s parents. Here, children have access to the outdoor lifestyle Mary feels many children today are not participating in . A recent £10,000 grant has created a secure space dedicated to the nursery where they can use the outdoors for all aspects of their learning as well as spending time in the vast fields of the farm.

Mary says the improvements in children’s learning have been vast. She links this to the fact that they are learning about real life first hand which makes it more meaningful to children and they build healthy bodies from regular walks, lots of physical tasks on uneven ground and access to fresh air.

Not surprisingly, parents always comment on how well their children sleep after their day on the farm.

Children grow food, use the changing environment to learn about seasons, find out about country animals from walks in the fields and use the outdoor area in their play. The pre-

school chickens are a popular pet for the children. They love to collect the eggs laid as well as helping to care for them. Mary hopes to extend the repertoire to pigs and a friendly cow so the children can truly be ‘working on the farm’.

Whilst the outside space is fantastic, the lime-light is slightly stolen by the pre-school hut made from up-cycled materials – including a Landrover door! As you enter the space, the warmth of the wood burner welcomes you in to a cosy room where learning continues whilst waterproofs dry.

The Future

Mary hopes that the pre-school will soon run from the farm permanently. This would mean that children will benefit fulltime from the real-life learning that promotes their health and a love for the nature around them. It is no wonder that Mary has noticed that children never say they are bored and I can definitely say neither was I! Anyone interested in joining the pre-school can contact Mary on 01822 612335 or via the website www. tavistockcommunitypreschool.webs.com

Roadford Lake explore • discover • challenge • relax

re

tu Create your own adven • café & gift shop • carvery • walking • cycling • children’s play area • sailing • canoeing • windsurfing • rowing • paddleboarding • high ropes • climbing • archery • camping • fishing

Don’t miss any of our events - www.lakesideroadford.org.uk or check out our Facebook page.

Near Okehampton, PL16 0RL • Activity Centre: 01409 211507 • Café: 01566 784859

17

KIDS WHAT'S ON

EASTER HOLIDAY EVENTS BUCKLAND ABBEY EASTER EGG HUNT SPONSORED BY CADBURYS

Everyday from Good Friday, until 10th April, 10.30am-4.30am Follow in the footsteps of Sir Francis Drake and his clergyman Francis Fletcher, as you circumnavigate the Buckland estate in search of treasure. Will you be able to follow his route to track down your Cadbury chocolate reward?

Normal admission charges apply, £2 per trail.

FAMILY RAG-RUGGING

3rd April, 11am -4pm Drop-in anytime to join Debbie Hastings for her fun, family-friendly rag rug workshop - where you can create a masterpiece to take home.

No booking needed. £2 per person.

DARTMOOR BORDER MORRIS

Sunday 3rd April, 1pm-3pm Dig out your bells and join the Dartmoor Border Morris Group Celebrate the return of spring by grabbing your handkerchiefs, sticks and bells and joining in with the Morris dancing by local troupe Dartmoor Border Morris. The troupe’s performing at Buckland - you’re more than welcome to have a go too.

FAMILY FELT

6th April 2016, 11am – 4pm Join local wool artist Claire Packer for a fun family friendly spring themed felt workshop. Normal admission applies and £3 per person

Meet the mill team dressed in Victorian costume. Milling demonstrations (water permitting) and mill tours.

Normal admission charges apply.

THE ALTERNATIVE FAMILY TRAIL

Tuesday 29 March - Sunday 10 April, 11am-4pm A family and dog-friendly trail from the house to Cotehele Mill with clues and a prize at the end. The trail is designed for families with children of all ages to do together; some of the clues are easy and some more difficult. Some of the clues will include items on your 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ checklist. £2 per child

LYDFORD GORGE BIRD BOX DAY

Thursday 7th April, 1pm – 4pm Come along to Lydford Gorge to make your own bird box with help from our National Trust ranger team. £5 per box

PLYMOUTH MUSEUM PICK UP AND GO

Saturday 2 and 9 April 2016, 10am to 5pm Enjoy some fun self-directed activities connected to their collections and exhibitions. Just pick them up from the Colouring Station Table in the foyer and off you go!

Free. Drop-in. Donations welcome.

COLOUR AND COLLAGE

Wednesday 6 April, 10.30am to 1pm (last entries at 12.30pm) Use arts and crafts materials to colour and collage your own creations inspired by the thousands of objects in the collections and exhibitions.

Free. Drop-in. Donations welcome.

BEADS GALORE! COTHELE COSTUME SUNDAYS AT COTEHELE MILL 3, 10 April, 11am-4.30pm 18

Thursday 7 April, 10.15am to 12.15pm and 2pm to 4pm Enjoy a creative session led by a guest artist and make beads based on some of

the amazing archaeological finds that have been discovered on nearby Dartmoor. £2.50 per child. Booking advised.

TAVISTOCK HOCKEY CLUB TAVISTOCK HOCKEY CLUB EASTER COACHING CAMP

29th, 30th & 31st March 2016 10.00 – 16.00 @ Mount Kelly Astroturf Just £20 – includes a free t – shirt and lunch.

Open to children in school years 2 – 11.

Any ability. Children will have the opportunity to go swimming during the day.

For more information on the holiday camps please email Simon Fenwick at thc-coachingcamps@ outlook.com

MAY HALF TERM EVENTS BUCKLAND ABBEY WHITTLE AND BURN

28th – 30th May, 11am -5pm Get outdoors and head down Cot Lane to see the Buckland outdoor team turn estate trees into charcoal and to discover how they whittle logs into useful objects for the home. Climb aboard a shave horse and whittle yourself an object too.

Free for the activity but normal admission prices apply.

COTEHELE MAY HALF-TERM FUN

Monday 30 May - Friday 3 June, 12.303pm Have fun outdoors. On Mondays discover what’s in a pond, Tuesdays make paper, Wednesdays and Fridays, create some wild art and Thursdays make quoits out of rope. Normal garden rates apply.

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

KIDS WHAT'S ON

OTHER EVENTS IN APRIL AND MAY BUCKLAND ABBEY COOK THE MASTER’S DINNER

Tuesday 19th April 1pm-2pm See the cooks prepare for the master’s dinner in the Abbey kitchen.

Normal admission applies.

BURRATOR FOREST FUN!

First Wed of each month, 9.30am-11.30am on the Lower Lawn, term time.

For parents & toddlers.

For more information contact www. burratoroutdoorpre school.moonfruit.com

under the Calstock viaduct to learn about the Tamar Valley. Trips last for 2 hrs.

Ring 01579 351346 for dates and to book.

Booking essential

as the world marks 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare.

Free but donations are welcome. No need to book.

LOPWELL DAM CHILDREN IN NATURE

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH FIRST STEPS: A CHILD’S THE DREAM

Saturday 7th May, 10am – 12noon Each event usually has at least 3 activities, such as a sensory scavenger hunt, wild art or story stones. Activities vary but all of them encourage children to explore and learn while having fun. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost: £15 per child Go to www.wildernesswoman.wix.com/ jacky, or telephone 07516 269656 (Jacky Pearce) for more information.

PLYMOUTH MUSEUM IMAGINATION STATION

Sunday 24 April Themed hands on wildlife activities for all the family with the Wildlife Watch group at Burrator Reservoir with SWLT. £1 per person. Hot chocolate & biscuits provided!

10.30am-12.30pm – Please contact 01822 855700 or heritage@swlakestrust.org.uk

Each Wednesday during term time, 10.30am to 2.30pm Calling all rising fives and their adults - roll up, roll up to our ‘Imagination Station’ to discover, colour and play! This is a self-directed activity enables you to have fun meeting other rising fives as you share activities and play together in our galleries.

Free but donations welcome. Drop-in, no need to book.

COTHELE NANCY BELLE RIVER TRIPS

SHAKESPEARE 400: MUCH ADO ABOUT COLOURING

WILDLIFE ACTIVITIES

Friday 15th April Birmingham’s Royal Ballet introduction to this delightful ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream – especially made for children aged 3-7 years. An hour long interactive programme of storytelling, music and characters. Followed by a performance of excerpts from the ballet, from dancers and the orchestra. A feast of dance, music and costumes! www.theatreroyal.com

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD

Tuesday 24 – Wednesday 25 May One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Tall Stories Theatre Company returns, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award winning sequel to life in this magical, musical adaptation.

For ages 3+ www.theatreroyal.com

32 dates between Friday 29 April and Saturday 23 April, 10am to 5pm Friday 9 September your 03/03/2016 hand at our Shakespeare and Tavy Links ad feb 2016 final.pdfTry 1 15:59 Board the Nancy Belle and head up river Drake-themed trail and colouring activities

Go wild in the trees on your birthday

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Book online @ www.treesurfers.co.uk See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

ages 4 - 12

Birthday Parties 19

CHARITY FOCUS

Parkinson’s UK Parkinson’s affects one person in every 500, or 127,000 people each year in the UK. Rosemary went to meet Mark Hoar, who was diagnosed at the age of 39 but is now a strong campaigner for Parkinson’s UK.

As Mark Hoar welcomes me in I find it difficult to believe he has Parkinson’s. He makes me a cup of tea with apparent ease - there is no sign of the hand tremor that can often be associated with Parkinson’s. Later on though, he shows me a video clip of his hands shaking uncontrollably and explains how he underwent brain surgery for a process called deep brain stimulation* which overrides the false signals sent out in his body and allows him to live a relatively normal life. After the operation he had to wait three months before the pulse generator was switched on; at the flick of a switch his hands stopped shaking instantly and he and his wife were both in tears as the impact of the ‘miraculous’ transformation sank in. And this is why Mark has become a passionate supporter for Parkinson’s UK and trained as a Volunteer Speaker and Ambassador so that he can share his life experience with others. He is one of only five volunteer speakers in the South West and presents a fascinating and compelling account of his experiences and the work of Parkinson’s UK to any group or society looking for a guest speaker with a very personal approach.

Parkinson’s affects one person in every 500 which means that a lot of people may not even know someone with the condition. However one in 500 equates to approximately 127,000 people in the UK, which is a sizeable number of people who struggle every day with the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition

caused when nerve cells in the brain die and an insufficient amount of the chemical dopamine is produced. Dopamine allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that co-ordinate movement. People affected can experience tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement, as well as many other symptoms, such as tiredness, pain, depression, memory loss and bowel problems. There are a several types of Parkinson’s and the symptoms vary, so individual experiences can be quite different. However there are two consistent facts: there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s and it is not yet known why people get the condition. This is where the research work of Parkinson’s UK is so vital in terms of understanding why the nerve cells die and what factors might be involved. Although the causes of certain types of parkinsonism have been

Visit our showroom for an inspiring & extensive range of carpets, vinyl’s & Karndean flooring. Both Domestic & commercial.

With over 30 years experience we provide expert help, advice, attention & fitting.

FREE measuring & estimates with personal service at extremely competitive prices.

Yelverton Business Park, Crapstone, Yelverton.

20

Tel: 01822 854363

To promote your business to 15,000 homes - call 01822 615627

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

identified, the cause of Parkinson’s itself is still unknown and it is essential to know what causes certain nerve cells in the brain to die (in Parkinson’s) in order to find a cure.

Mark’s quality of life has improved dramatically as a result of surgery, but the same technique cannot benefit everyone with Parkinson’s. He also has ‘good days and bad days’ and still has to deal with exhaustion, memory loss and other symptoms which can be alleviated by drugs but not cured. Before his diagnosis of Parkinson’s, Mark had a very promising career in the Devon and Cornwall Police. However at the age of 39 early symptoms of the condition started to appear; when Parkinson’s eventually began to affect his role, the police force was extremely supportive and moved him to a new communications department, enabling him to continue working for another five years. However two years ago he realised he needed to make some life changes and took early retirement, enabling him to concentrate on helping to raise public awareness about the need for further research into Parkinson’s .... and persuade his wife they needed a dog!

Mark has raised thousands by abseiling down the side of Derriford Hospital and organising charity golf days with his friend Patrick Stewart, who also has Parkinson’s; the funds

have contributed to providing two dedicated Parkinson’s nurses at Derriford to help treat patients with this debilitating condition. However his dearest wish would be that the next generation could be spared from Parkinson’s altogether.

Mark would be delighted to be invited to community groups as a guest speaker to raise awareness about Parkinson’s or please contact him regarding fundraising events on behalf of Parkinson’s UK at mhoar@parkinsons.org.uk The Tavistock Parkinson’s Support Group meets at The Anchorage Centre, Chapel Street, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8AG. If you would like to know more about Parkinson’s, make a donation or become a volunteer please visit www.parkinsons.org.uk *Deep brain stimulation involves implanting very fine wires into the brain. The wires have electrodes at their tips and are connected to a pulse generator (a device like a pacemaker), which is placed under the skin around the chest or stomach area. When the device is switched on, the electrodes deliver high frequency stimulation to the targeted area, overriding some of the electrical signals in the brain which cause Parkinson’s symptoms.

A New Day Care Centre You Can Trust...

Camplehaye House Day Care Centre Due to the closure of Harewood House we have welcomed their clients and staff to our day care centre.

At Camplehaye House you will find A beautiful house and gardens Homemade meals, made on the premises Experienced staff Client-led activities Therapies All rooms and gardens accessible Dementia friendly Visiting Health professional

Call us for more information

Camplehaye House Day Care Centre Lamerton, Tavistock PL19 8QD

01822 616668 admin@camplehayehouse.co.uk www.avenscarehomes.co.uk See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

21

Exceptional Residential Care

Set in the peaceful and tranquil surroundings of traditional Devonshire life, Redmount is a quaint family Residential care home offering a variety of care services to our local and surrounding communities. Redmount can offer long term permanent accommodation and short term respite stays as well as day care services to people living at home who may require a little extra support and companionship. At Redmount we have been working hard to achieve our goal of ensuring couples do not have to face older age in separation from one another, therefore we are excited to announce the completion of our en suite premier rooms specially designed for couples. Complete with 32inch flat screen televisions, luxurious soft furnishings, free Wi-Fi and parking, countryside views, private telephone access, separate sitting & bedroom area, personally tailored meals and of course, the 24 hour care and attention from our family of professionals carers. Rooms are limited so call us today for more information or to book an appointment for viewing.

We welcome people to pop in at anytime for an informal chat and tour of our home or contact us on the details below to request a free brochure. Competitive rates and discounts for couples are available.

01364 642403 | fay@yourhealthgroup.co.uk | www.yourhealthgroup.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you!

THE TROUT ‘N’ TIPPLE PUB This delightful country pub is well worth a visit on any occassion • We use our own trout, free range eggs, and Howells Meat • Underfloor heating in the bar on 24 hours • We have a lovely loo for the elderly and disabled • Fabulous games room with Xbox and WII

01822 618886

Parkwood Road, Tavistock PL19 0JS

www.troutntipple.co.uk

TAVISTOCK TROUT FISHERY We specialise in fly fishing and float fishing for Trout • Rods and tackle can be hired or bought from us • Well stocked tackle shop • Tuition can be arranged • Fly Anglers Breakfast Cabin

01822 615441 Parkwood Road, Tavistock PL19 0JS

www.tavistocktroutfishery.co.uk

CHARITY SPONSORSHIP

Project Borneo and the Adventure of a Lifetime Five local boys are going on the adventure of a lifetime to do something amazing for themselves whilst making a profound and lasting impact on disadvantaged local communities and wildlife on the island of Borneo.

Yelverton lads Archie Allen, Jake Houlberg and Christian Wilson, together with their Tavistock College school friends Ben Anning and Tom Roberts have signed up to join a school expedition organised by award-winning Camps International during the summer of 2017, to Borneo.

They would be most grateful for any, and all, contributions the local community could make towards their fundraising. For further information, please visit their website: www.project-Borneo.weebly.com and donate online on: www.gofundme.com/2qzsz7es.

The boys will be spending 4 weeks on the island and live and work alongside local people. Core objectives of this expedition are: • Improvement of educational infrastructure and living standards of a rural community within the Sabah region of Borneo.

• Assistance with environmental conservation programmes along the Kinabatangan River: including seed collection, tree planting and wildlife monitoring.

• Development of key life skills, cultural understanding and a global perspective for an increasingly international 21st century.

All funds for the expedition will have to be raised by the lads themselves, so fundraising is becoming part of their life for the next year and a half. They have made a cracking start with a bag packing day at Tesco, Tavistock just before Valentine’s Day. February half term was spent crafting and making edible little gifts to sell at fairs and they are planning to cycle the same distance as the length of the Borneo coastline, on static bikes in front of local supermarkets in the coming months.

Running the LONDON MARATHON in memory of Aimee I will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 24th April, for the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of my daughter Aimee. Aimee was 9 months old when she contracted, and sadly died of Meningoccal Septicaemia.

Running the London Marathon will not only help raise much needed funds for the Research Foundation but I am especially hoping to raise awareness of a deadly new strain of the meningococcal bacteria which strikes young adults - raising awareness to both parents and those heading off to University.

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Loosing Aimee as a baby was devastating but I can’t imagine the loss of a child as a young adult.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated and make the 26.1 miles all worthwhile.Please donate to my just giving page www.justgiving.com/amandawarnett.

Many thanks for all your support Mandy Warnett, (Owner, Tavistock Bathrooms & Tiles) 23

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Is too much screen time harming our children?

On average children in the UK spend 6 ½ hours a day in front of a screen. How does screen time affect our children’s health?

On average children in the UK spend 6 1/2 hours a day in front of a screen.

Teenage boys spend the most time, on

average 8 hours a day (compared with 3 1/2 hours in 1995). Younger children fare slightly better: in 1995, 5 to 10 year olds averaged around 2 1/2 hours of TV. Fast forward to 2014 and their screen time has risen to 4 1/2 hours. The type of screen has changed too over this period: in 1995 TV was the main source, but this has now been overtaken by the internet viewed via mobiles, tablets and computers and games consoles.

By the age of seven the average child will have spent a full year of 24-hour days watching recreational screen media. Over the course of childhood, children spend more time watching TV than they spend in school.

Kerry Ward ITEC. MAR

Reflexology & Holistic Massage Therapist

So does this matter?

Fourward Health

Well yes, too much screen time can make it hard for children to sleep at night, increase their risk of attention problems, anxiety and depression and put them at significant risk of obesity.

Screen time can lead to obesity for a number of reasons; sitting and watching a screen is time not spent being physically active. TV commercials can lead to unhealthy food choices. Mostly, the foods in adverts that are aimed at LOSE WEIGHT

t. 01822 855331 m. 07795 057397 FINISH THE www.fourwardhealth.co.uk STRONG /fourwardhealth GET FIT GAIN STRENGTH

FINISH THE THE YEAR FINISH YEAR STRONG STRONG 30-minute GET FIT FIT GAIN GAIN STRENGTH STRENGTH LOSE WEIGHT WEIGHT GET LOSE full body workout

30-minute 30-minute full body body full workout workout

In 2015 Cambridge University researchers recorded the activities of more than 800 14-year-olds and analysed their GCSE results at 16. Those spending an extra hour a day on screens (TV, computer, games console, phone) saw a fall in GCSE results equivalent to two grades overall: on average, the 14-year-olds said they spent four hours of their leisure time each day watching TV or in front of a computer. An additional hour of screen-time each day was associated with 9.3 fewer GCSE points at 16, the equivalent of dropping a grade in two subjects. Two extra hours of screen-time was associated with 18 fewer points, or dropping a grade in four subjects. Even if pupils spent more time studying, more time spent watching TV or online, still harmed their results, the analysis suggested.

Researchers also suggest that screen viewing early in life is likely to lead to long periods of viewing later on. The way screens are viewed when young

Strength Training and cardio

Strength Strength Training Training and and cardio cardio

One-on-one

One-on-one coaching One-on-one coaching coaching

YEAR

children are high in sugar, salt or fats.

And children eat more when they are watching TV especially if they see ads for food.

Designed Designed for women women for

Designed for women

dwdwdwdw dwdwdwdw

dwdwwd dwdwwd Curves Tavistock dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwdwdwdwd Unitwdwdwdwdwdwdwd 1C Westbridge Ind Est dwdwwd 31/12/2015 31/12/2015

01822 615156 wdwdwdwdwdwdwd curvestav@hotmail.co.uk Curves Tavistock

Tel: 01822 615156 31/12/2015

24

1/11/2015 - 31/12/2015 1/11/2015 - 31/12/2015

1/11/2015 - 31/12/2015

To promote your business to 15,000 homes - call 01822 615627

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

forms habits that can persist in the long term. An early taste for entertainment screen media can lead to changes in the brain. Like other addictions, screen time creates significant changes in certain chemicals in the brain: dopamine is produced when we see something that is interesting or new. It is also the chemical involved in most addictions – it’s the reward chemical.There are concerns among some scientists that producing dopamine every single day for many years, through for example playing computer games, may change the reward circuitry in a child’s brain and make them more dependent on screen media. Additionally, although children who are heavy users of electronics may become adept at multitasking, they loose the ability to focus on what is most important, a trait critical to the deep thought and problem solving needed in life.

Experts advise that teenagers should have a “screen-free” hour before bedtime, after new evidence suggested too much exposure to TVs, smartphones, tablets and computers can affect their sleeping patterns: in a study of 10,000 16 to 19-year-olds, researchers in Norway found that the longer a young person spent looking at an electronic screen before going to bed, the worse

quality sleep they were likely to have.

They also found that excessive screen time (more than 4 hours a day) was linked to anxiety and depression and was responsible for limiting a child’s opportunity for social interaction and physical activity, both of which are key factors in reducing childhood distress.

So how much screen time should we allow?

The simple answer is 'not much'. None for children under two. The experts suggest that babies and toddlers are kept away from all screens. Children aged 2-5 years should have no more than an hour a day and children aged 5-18 years should have no more than two hours a day. That’s a tough call for teenagers, especially with homework often requiring computer time. But the real danger is non-educational, leisure screen time, so homework screen time could be discounted.

Dr Harriet Doyle

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION SUPPORT Barry Jones MSc & Janet Still MSN/FNP a unique set of professional skills

Nutritional, dietary, medical support for your condition.

Clinical hypnosis for weight loss, tobacco cessation, sports goals.

Parents should be able to decide if these strictures are too harsh, and allow some flexibility, but not caring at all about the amount of time your children spend in front of screens may be harmful.

www.barryjones.com www.stilljanet.com 07519 784731

PERSONAL TRAINER AND NUTRITIONIST » Dedicated personal training and nutritional coaching » Personalised one to one or group sessions » Online Training and Guidance » Free Consultations Call: 07738353373 Email: mattsmallacombept@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.mattsmallacombept.co.uk

ACHIEVE MORE See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

25

GARDENING

Spring

evergreens Spring is the ideal season to plant evergreens, both from the point of view of being the best time for plants to settle in, and because any winter-bare spots are still clearly visible.

After trees, I look upon larger structural evergreens as being the most important plants in a garden: creating colour, form and interest right through the year, coming into their own during winter and providing a backdrop to seasonal flowering and foliage plants from spring to autumn. Some are naturally architectural, with bold foliage or a striking shape, like New Zealand flax (Phormium), Yucca, castor oil plant (Fatsia) and many conifers – I’m particularly fond of smaller varieties of pine, and slender upright junipers. Others can have architecture imposed upon them with trimming and shaping: plants that respond well to this include bay, box, Lonicera nitida, pittosporum and yew. For the most part, evergreen shrubs are generally slower-growing than deciduous ones so it can be well worth ‘buying time’ and purchasing readygrown larger specimens for that instant transformation – even one or two will make all the difference. Do choose your plants with care, though, and make sure they’re sufficiently hardy for your site: while there are some splendidly good value Mediterranean-type plants (such as palms and olives) available in large specimen sizes locally, they won’t be a

bargain if the next hard winter kills them off!

In between the evergreens, plants like perennials and grasses look wonderful planted in groups or drifts – threes, fives, even sevens – for a natural appearance. There’s still just time to make more of your plants for free, by dividing established clumps of herbaceous perennials (not those which are in flower already, though) and ornamental grasses.

Deciduous grasses can be cut back to just above the ground first if you haven’t done so already, but grasses that are evergreen, such as Stipa species and many Carex, shouldn’t be cut back – instead, ‘comb’ through the clump using a rake or your fingers, to pull out dead leaves and stems. To divide, dig up good-sized clumps of plant and separate into pieces, each with plenty of roots and shoot buds, then refresh the ground with compost and slow-release fertilizer before replanting the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously. Firm the soil well and water thoroughly. They should soon establish and create a really good show even in the coming year.

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

• Sheds • Turfing • House Painting • Hedge Trimming

FULLY INSURED - LOCAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE

Please give Bob a call.

Hartland, Milton Combe, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6HP

T: 01822 852792 M: 07765 674627 Email: bsteptoe@supanet.com

26

To promote your business to 15,000 homes - call 01822 615627

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

SEASONAL JOBS - - - - -

Plant seed potatoes. Even in a tiny garden it’s worth planting a few Earlies in large pots, potato barrels or bags, to enjoy delicious ‘new’ potatoes in early summer. Enriching soil with potato fertilizer really boosts crop size.

Stake tall-growing perennials such as delphinium, sweet rocket and cone flower, so plants grow through and conceal their supports.

Feed lawns with a slow release fertilizer.

Make regular sowings of quick-growing veg, especially salads.

On large glass doors and windows which can be death-traps to young birds learning to fly, fix bird silhouette stickers.

These can be bought, or simply search the internet for “printable bird silhouette”; print and cut out; and fix to glass.

Looking good now...

Clematis alpine and C. armandii Magnolias Perennials including Bergenia, Epimedium, Euphorbia, Hellebores and Pulmonaria.

Spring bulbs such as later-blooming varieties of narcissi and tulips.

Sue Fisher is a garden designer and writer based on the Bere Peninsula.

Tel 01822 841895.

Email: suefisher@talktalk.net Website: www.suefishergardens.co.uk

Milton Abbot Tavistock

Fruit Trees

Apple, Pear, Plum Quince, etc.

2-3 yrs old

From £18.95

M S! O ER FR W Y RO BU G E TH

ENDSLEIGH GARDENS NURSERY

West Country Apples From £13.95

Flowering Trees

Ever changing...

Always enchanting

From £29.95

3 Litre Azaleas From £7.95

Tel: 01822 870235

www.endsleighgardens.co.uk

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

Large Rhododendrons

£18.95 Plus our usual extensive range of shrubs & perennials

Well worth a visit !

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7LQ www.thegardenhouse.org.uk

01822 854769 27

Design and Installation Waterfalls and Streams Planting and Stocking Water Features Renovation Leak Repair

Dartmoor Pond Services Ellis Taylor

Tel: 01822 852699 M: 07836 576722 www.dartmoorpondservices.co.uk

PAUL EDWORTHY DRY STONE WALLING

Fencing Stock • Post&Rail • Hedgelaying • Scrub Clearance • Drainage 7.5 and 2.5ton Diggers Gardening services Landscaping • Cutting& Strimming Agricultural services Small Square Baling • Mowing • Hay Turning • Field Maintenance

Widecombe-in-the-Moor

TEL: 01364 652007 or 07854347937

Grower, supplier.

Layer seeded turf £2 roll.

Topsoil/screened soil.

Grass cutting VERY large lawns

01822 610998

Plant Life Landscapes

We design, we build and we plant any size project to suit all budgets.

Please Call Owen for a free consultation.

m: 07958 696191 t: 01579 371248

Details and portfolio at www.plantlifelandscapes.co.uk

Your local tree care professionals.

Our services include: • Tree felling • Tree dismantling • Pruning • Crown lifting or reduction • Tree pest and disease identification • Woodland management • Hedge cutting • Hedge laying • Seasoned logs

T: 01822 854 972 M: 07977 558 371 E: JonLindsay@countrywisetreecare.co.uk

Area covered includes: Yelverton • Horrabridge • Tavistock • Roborough • Princetown • Gunnislake Callington • Bere peninsula • Buckland Monachorum • Lydford • Lifton • Okehampton

GARDENING

Vegetable garden or Potager?

They are in fact one and the same. Potager is French for kitchen garden, derived from the word Potage, meaning soup.

Growing vegetables doesn’t have to be strict rows of wellbehaved vegetables all standing to attention. It can be a riot of colour and texture combining edible flowers, companion planting and flowers to attract pollinators. Biodiversity in the garden is the key to successful fruit and vegetable growing. Plants need pollinators and pollinators need nectar. Wildlife in the garden can help keep nasty pests at bay too.

Designing a potager is more achievable than you might think.

In order for it to work it needs to be functional as well as beautiful. Size is not necessarily a limitation as long as you can achieve four beds in order to rotate your crops annually. This is a vital system as all vegetables have differing requirements of nutrients and some even provide nutrients for others. Legumes (peas and beans) fix nitrogen in the soil, which leafy vegetables will benefit from the following year – natures own fertiliser.

Consider also its position. Your potager needs to be quite close to the kitchen, so you can nip out and quickly harvest those edible flowers, salads and herbs to complete the dish! Also make sure it is accessible for watering, as in the height of summer you’ll be glad that the water butt is close by.

Raised beds, path surfaces, compost bins, wheel barrows – the list goes on. More to follow on these in the future.

‘Growing your own’ is an ever increasing pastime for the novice or the well versed grower, as we increasingly want to know and trust the food we eat. In addition, the process from seed to harvest is a very rewarding one and it will be the best you’ve ever tasted !

Suzy Kraike www.elm.coop suzy@elm.coop

Does your garden need inspiration?

If you’re looking for a professional gardener we can offer: Garden design and installation • Cultivation and upkeep Advice and guidance • Pruning regimes Edible and wildlife gardens Fully insured National Trust trained More than 10 years experience

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

For information or a quote call Suzy Kraike 07779 343570 01822 834357 suzy@elm.coop www.elm.coop 29

NATURALIST

‘The most important spring landscape flower in britain’* Over the next few months we can look forward to one of the great treats that the natural floral world has to offer, tall plants that provide a continuous display of flowers lining the verges of many of our well used local highways, an effect that many gardeners spend years to perfect. I wonder why these particular wild flowers are so often under -rated, regularly overlooked and in some locations actively discouraged.

Maybe it is because they are uniformly white and each flower only a few millimetres across. There are hundreds of these florets on each umbrella-shaped head or umbel borne on stems that often exceed a metre in height, many stems to a plant, repeated for mile after mile to create a spectacular display. I love the overall effect of these filmy white clouds set against the bright green foliage of the hedgerow behind. Welcome to the botanical family Umbelliferae, or umbels as they are more conveniently known! The species with the most commonly known name is the hedge or cow parsley, although I think that the more elegant ‘Queen Anne’s Lace’ gives a more apt description of its appearance en masse. They are fairly robust plants, appearing first as a rosette of leaves that do indeed resemble (in appearance only) those of the culinary flat-leaved parsley. The flowering stems grow rapidly when day-length and temperature reach the appropriate levels and burst into flower in a matter of a few weeks in late spring.

Two other species of umbels succeed Anthemis sylvestris (Queen Anne’s Lace); these are rough chervil, Chaerophyllum temulum in early summer and hogweed, Heracleum sphondylium later in the season. Ofcourse you don’t need to know the botanical names to appreciate this succession, perhaps just take the time to observe the changes over the next few months.

The Latin botanical names just make identification easier; in different parts of the country they were often given a local name, often quite strange-sounding such as badman’s oatmeal, grandpa’s pepper or stepmother!

30

Now that roadside spraying of herbicides has largely stopped there is still one threat to these plants - annual cutting of the verges which has to be carried out in the interest of road safety.

But if the cutting is carried out later in the season after the seeds of the roadside species have been allowed to mature there will be plenty of plants in subsequent years. One year a wonderful display of Queen Anne’s Lace (on the Gulworthy to Bere Alston road) was devastated by an early cut and it took several seasons to return to its former glory. I believe that more care appears to have been taken in recent years helping the survival of many smaller and less common plant species and ofcourse the bees and other insects which feed on them.

Once you start to notice the many species of umbels you will see them in a wide variety of habitats. But beware, to the untrained eye many look very similar and it may take a skilled botanist to provide a positive identification. Some are the wild relatives of well known vegetables or culinary herbs such as carrot, parsnip and fennel. In spring the yellow flowers of alexanders may have caught your eye growing in abundant clumps in hedges or by the side of roads. And many gardeners will recognise the hogweed with its long tap root and its pig-like smell and they may also know that its sap can cause nasty skin blisters particularly in warm weather. Hemlock water dropwort which grows in wet habitats such as ditches and around ponds has been mistaken for celery but is in fact very poisonous. Another umbel which should definitely be avoided and infamously is said to be responsible for the death of Socrates is the deadly hemlock but it is easily distinguished by the purple blotches on its stems and in any case it is quite rare.

I hope I have given you a glimpse of this fascinating and useful but often overlooked group of plants many of which can be found growing here in West Devon and the Tamar Valley. * (from Richard Mabey in ‘Flora Britannica’)

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

Pete Mayston editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

31

your family’s legacy depends on what you do today Estate & Tax Planning • Trusts • Wills Probate • Powers of Attorney Court of Portection

call Hansford Bell Law on: 01822 619805 look at our website: www.hansfordbelllaw.co.uk Culver House, 13 West Street, TAVISTOCK PL18 8AN Authorised and regluated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 623223

FARMING DIARY

Lambs and calves...and hangovers!

Spring rolls into Summer at Greenwell Farm Although the ewes started lambing in the middle of March we deliberately stagger the start of each flock to spread the lambing period over a longer more manageable period of time. The ewe’s oestrus cycle is only 17 days so if the rams have done their job and got them all in lamb in one cycle, lambing comes and goes pretty quickly, hence why we stagger it. This spreads the workload but also spreads the risk. Late March and April can deliver lovely spring weather; it can also be pretty brutal. The old sayings about weather have their roots in truth with March being “In like a Lion out like a Lamb, in like a Lamb out like a Lion” and those “April showers” on Dartmoor can suck the heat out of a lamb if it doesn’t have feed in its belly and plenty of shelter. The wet and cold is what we dread and some days when we are lambing outside it can be pretty demoralising. But as I said last time, you just have to get the ewes in good condition, put them in as much shelter as you can and then trust nature to do the rest. There are always a few bad days but lambing for us is spread over a six week period so it will usually average out.

The cows will start to calf in April and like the lambs it is always lovely to see fresh calves clumsily following their mother across the field. Lambing is hard work but with the cows everything is scaled up and the stakes are a lot higher. Like the sheep we tend to let nature run its course and most cows get on with it on their own. The difference with a cow is that instead of feeding her up before she calves you actually try and keep her lean and fit before birth. If the cow looks too well she will grow her calf too big and this can produce problems at birth. So again we walk a tight rope, cows have to be able to grow a fit healthy calf and be able to give birth and feed it. But too much good living and you risk the whole lot.

RHS CHELSEA GOLD MEDALIST 2014

As they calf they are turned out of the sheds onto the fields.

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

The young cattle also go out as soon as there is enough grass.

It is always a welcome sight to see young animals that have been housed for the winter turned into a field for the first time in spring. They gallop around and jump about, playing like baby lambs. Then they remember how good fresh spring grass tastes and they eat their heads off, shed their winter coat and hopefully thrive.

March and April are always long months and as a farmer you can lose track of the days in this very busy time of new life. But a week is a long time in the spring and as quick as this hectic period comes, suddenly in late April early May the weather improves, there is new life everywhere, all the animals are in the fields, the workload drops and you can breathe again. We can now see the wood for the trees; there are healthy ewes and lambs in every field dotted around like mushrooms; the grass is finally catching up and the livestock are content. Finally we can say goodbye to winter and hello summer.

Devon County Show is always in late May and it is a great time for farmers to get together. I have shown Whiteface Dartmoor sheep at the show for 28 years and have had some great times.

We are a competitive bunch and we may appear laid back but it is actually a very serious business. It is a great shop window for our livestock and a great opportunity to make new contacts.

Once the showing is done however, everyone relaxes and attention turns to getting a drink out of the winner and enjoying the three day show. It is a great line in the sand for most farmers between the long winter and summer and after trading a few war stories over a glass of ale or whisky you realise your disasters aren’t actually that bad and once you return home with a hangover, summer has hopefully arrived!

Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm

Workshops available

One to one’s or groups Experience playing with flowers with your friends and learning techniques you can use at home.

MDPF

Master Florist 07973 226710 01822 870888

www.amandarandell.co.uk 33

Join us now at

The Alexander Centre, Tavistock

Ask us now about

FREE GCSE English and Maths and courses for

skills family work health leisure Search for courses under ‘West’ at:

learndevon.co.uk or call 0345 155 1014 Terms and conditions apply for all courses

Sp Av Of ec ai fe ial la rs bl e

ee le r F ck s i r P Ja

Monday: 12pm to 9pm Tues to Sat: 11am to 9pm Open all Bank Holiday Mondays as normal Families Welcome • OAP Specials Available To place an order please call

YOUR LOCAL

WHAT’S ON

REGULAR

APRIL

upwards 9.30am to 4.30pm Booking Essential: 01822 833409 or email info@tamartrails.co.uk

Tamar & Tavy Gig Club

Tuesday 5 April

Thursday 7 April

Traditional Pilot Gig rowing on the beautiful Tamar river, sessions available for all abilities. To join us for a free taster session please contact rowing captain Katie: mrskatieturner@yahoo.co.uk, or see our current session timetable at facebook. com/tamartavygig.

Costume Day

Homes and Gardens in Cotehele Gallery

Wednesday 6 April

NT Buckland Abbey. Jump into Buckland’s time machine as our resident costume group open up their wardrobes giving you the opportunity to dress like a Tudor outfits available for all. Normal admission charges apply. 11.30am-3.30pm

Family felt

Daily (to June) 11am-5pm Exhibition featuring homemade furniture, bird baths and sculpture for your garden.

Normal admission applies.

NT Buckland Abbey. Join local wool artist Claire Packer for a fun family friendly spring themed felt workshop. Normal admission plus £3 per person. 11am–4pm

Networking Breakfast

7 April

Held monthly at The Bedford Hotel in the heart of Tavistock, the Tavistock Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast is a great way to Join like-minded businesspeople from Tavistock and the surrounding area, for a delicious breakfast, quality networking and guest speakers.

Bedford Hotel, Tavistock Starts 7.30am finish by 9am Usually third Thursday of each month (or check www.bedford-hotel.co.uk for each date)

Bird Box Day

Make your own bird box with the help of our Ranger at Lydford Gorge.

1pm – 4pm

C.S. Retirement Fellowship, Princetown

Come along for a friendly chat in the Prince of Wales, Princetown at 12.30am.

Bookings will be taken for the Queen’s Birthday Celebratory Lunch later in the month. Our Guest Speaker today will be Ian Bertie from the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team based in Tavistock.

Saturday 9 April

Tamar & Tavy Gig Club – Table Top Sale

Books, clothing, bric-a-brac plus tea and cake! All proceeds go towards Tamar & Tavy Gig Club and keeping our club running and racing. Come down and talk to us if you have any questions about joining the club. St Paul’s Church, Yelverton Sunday 10 April

Thursday 7 April

Kids Go Wild in the Trees Adventure Day

The Bedford Hotel Wedding Fair

Get the kids out and about to try a real adventure high up in the tree tops. Hang around in the great outdoors with our dedicated instructors for a day of fun with Tree Surfers at The Tamar Trails Centre.

Offering a combination of the best Tree Surfers have to offer, activities include Tree Surfing, Tree Climbing, The Big Zip, The Leap of Faith and other high wire activities.

Price: £35 per child. Suitable for: Ages 8

Free bubbly, free entry, and a chance to view our beautiful venue and meeting a whole range of wedding suppliers.

12noon – 4pm Sunday 10 April

Tavy13

The sixth running of Tavistock’s very own half marathon & kids fun run! Beautiful scenery on the western fringes of Dartmoor (with a four mile downhill run in

Tavonians Theatre Company presents Rudyard Kipling’s family story of patriotism in the Great War

MY BOY JACK Wed 27th April Thurs 28th April Mon 2nd May Tues 3rd May Wed 4th May Thurs 5th May

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8.00pm

Sourton Parish Hall Bere Alston Parish Hall Milton Abbot Village Hall Callington Town Hall The Wharf, Tavistock The Wharf, Tavistock

by David Haig

Tickets: £10 Concessions: £8

TICKETS FOR THE WHARF: 01822 611166 ONLINE for other venues: www.tavonians.org.uk Enquiries: 0845 519 6592 (10am - 6pm) Rights by permission of Nick Hern Books

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

35

WHAT’S ON to the town). Entry fees from an incredible £9. Enter or find out more at www.tavy13. co.uk Sunday 10 April

Conservation day

Practical conservation volunteer day at Burrator Reservoir with SWLT. Hot drinks and biscuits provided! 10.30am. Please contact 01822 855700 or heritage@ swlakestrust.org.uk.

Tuesday 12 April

Water – A history

‘Elizabethan source, 21st Century treatment’. A look into the past and future of Plymouth’s precious drinking water supply’ by Chris Rockey, Science and Water Quality Manager, South West Water. 7pm arrival for refreshments, 7.30pm-8.30pm talk. £3 per person which will be donated to Water Aid. Please book your place in advance on 01822 855700 or heritage@swlakestrust.org.uk

Celebrating?

Taylors Events offers full outside catering and bar hire for all occasions. Our Tavistock based team are on hand whether you are planning a full wedding reception for 200 or an intimate private dinner party

Thursday 14 April

Tuesday 19 April

Moors Edge U3A

Cooking the master’s dinner

Friday 15 April

Thursday 21 April

The Santa Rosa Fund Annual Quiz.

Queen Elizabeth Birthday Lunch

Speaker on St Lukes Open Gardens All meetings are held at the Woolwell Centre starting at 2.30pm

Our quiz with a difference that has become somewhat of an institution with our supporters will be held at Whitchurch Community Hall.

Doors open at 7.00 for a 7.30 start.

Everybody welcome, please phone Pat on 01822 840297 for booking and more details.

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 April

Stylish Lifestyle Show

The house and grounds of Pentillie Castle will be transformed by Miss Ivy and her team, with an array of stylish lifestyle exhibitors displaying unique products and services alongside talks, demonstrations and entertainment. A marquee will be filled with more exhibitors, live music and a variety of local food stalls. Another popular ‘Miss Ivy’ event. Pentillie Castle 10.30am – 4.30pm www.stylishshows.co.uk for further details and how to book tickets.

Monday 18 to Friday 29 April

Photographic Exhibition – ‘Hidden Valley’

10am – 4pm Venue: Tamar Valley Centre All welcome, collection to help defray costs. (Official opening 6pm on Monday 18th April – all welcome)

Buckland Abbey. See the cooks prepare for the master’s dinner in the Abbey kitchen. Normal admission charges. 1-2pm

Why not join Princetown Retirement Fellowship Group, for a lunch celebration of our Queen’s Birthday. Coach transport will be provided with pick up points at Tavistock, Yelverton, Princetown and anywhere in between. The venue is a closely guarded secret but be assured it will be a select hostelry. Booking is essential - Call Mike on 01822-890799 for reservations.

Saturday and Sunday 23 & 24 April

An Exhibition of West Country Artists 2016

Now in its 4th year the exhibition aims to present work in a wide variety of styles from around 25 carefully selected artists with a west country link. In previous years Ken Howard has exhibited and this year we will be showing work from Karen Laurence-Rowe (David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year in 2012), Roz Pierson (President of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers), Mary Gillett, Ley Roberts, Michael Hill and many others.

10am to 4pm in Gallery 26 of the Bedford Hotel

BE TAX SMART

We are a long established local firm of accountants and tax advisers, with over 30 years experience.

Our services are tailor-made for you and include:

contact us now 01822 613045

www.taylorstavistock.co.uk 36

• Business start up and business succession advice • Accountancy – both year end and management accounts • All aspects of taxation for businesses and individuals • Accounting systems advice • Payroll and VAT

Holmcroft • Blackdown • Mary Tavy • Tavistock • PL19 9QB

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

Please contact us for a free initial consultation 01822 810339 diana@dianaheal.co.uk dianaheal.co.uk

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

D

TWO MONTHS OF MUSIC, ART AND LITERARY EVENTS IN DEVON’S TOP AWARD-WINNING MARKET TOWN

MUSIC LITERATURE

ART DRAMA

LECTURES

The Tavistock Festival is pleased to be working in partnership with:

Moor Links Tavy Links In association with the: Dante Summer Festival - 11th to 15th July - www.dantequartet.org Landulph Festival of Music and the Arts - 30th September to 16th October - www.landulphfestival.co.uk

APRIL - MAY 2016 www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

INTRODUCING THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL: Chairman, Christopher Kirwin Welcome to our 14th Tavistock Festival! The 2016 Tavistock Festival (continuing to trade as the Tavistock Music & Arts Festival Ltd), again will sing the praises of all that our award winning market town has to offer. In recent years Tavistock has been voted Best Market Town in Britain and Best Food Town in the South West and with its charming country atmosphere, a thriving pannier market and many exceptional independent specialist shops, the Tavistock Festival is a wonderful annual addition for locals and visitors alike.

In this, its fourteenth year, the Festival is spread over two months - again a music, arts and literary festival – with art exhibitions and workshops, dramatic performances, literary and music workshops, poetry readings and lectures, in addition to the many varied musical events presenting a broad spectrum of musical styles.

Adam Hart-Davis has now stepped down as President to become our second Life Vice President.

We are delighted that Andrew Wilson, local conductor and renowned composer, has taken up the presidential role.

Barry Gamble will give the tenth Russell Lecture introducing the Celebration of the Tinworking Landscape of Dartmoor in its European Context event. This event will take place in Tavistock from 6th to 11th May. We welcome once again, Professor Jeremy Black, Professor of History at the University of Exeter, who will give the fifth Drake Lecture on ‘The Politics of James Bond’, where he will take James Bond from the Cold War and the world of the Bond novels to the world of film and the modern age.

We are delighted that Wurlitza, who specialise in playing live soundtracks to silent films, are returning to Tavistock to show ‘Sunrise’ with Janet Gaynor,

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

winner of one of the first Oscars. The Miracle Theatre return to show their film of ‘Tin’ with Jenny Agutter, Benjamin Luxon and Dudley Sutton.

Tavistock’s Tavonians Theatre Company will be presenting (in various venues), their superb production of ‘My Boy Jack’ by David Haig, which tells the poignant story of Rudyard Kipling and his grief for his son John, who died in the First World War. On World Dance Day, the Chamber Ensemble of London will give a dance based programme with accompanying dancer, and Viktor Bijelovic will once again return for this year’s Gala Supper.

A major addition to our programming both during the Festival, but also throughout the year as part of the activity of the Friends of the Festival, is our work in association with the Wharf Arts Centre, in the promotion of Live Performance Broadcasts of ballet, music, opera and theatre from venues such as The Royal Opera House and the Bolshoi theatre; we are very keen to persuade all of our Patrons to support these events - a wonderful way to access live theatre.

2016 sees us receiving invaluable, both old and new, support from our own Friends of the Tavistock Festival, as well as the Bedford Hotel, Olijam Communications Ltd (Tavy Links and Moor Links magazines), Alistair Kinsey, Hansford Bell, Eldred’s, Miller Town & Country, GWR, the Wharf Arts Centre and Mount Kelly Foundation, to all of whom we are most grateful. We would also like to say thank you for the support of all our regular and a number of welcome new, individual event sponsors. We are also glad to receive support from the art galleries involved in the arts element of the festival and the Town Crier, David Turner.

I look forward to seeing you, often, I hope, during the Festival.

01822 859477 or bridgemoorhouse@gmail.com

TAVISTOCK SINGS! ‘….. come to hear, see and experience the most beautiful things at Devon’s most vibrant and welcoming Arts Festival.’

Andrew Wilson, Festival President

The composer, Andrew Wilson, has lived and worked in Tavistock for a quarter of a century. For many years, he was the Director of Music at Kelly College. His association with the Tavistock Festival goes back to its earliest days and he has written a series of twelve hugely popular cantatas for massed choirs to sing at the ‘Tavistock Sings’ concerts.

Director of Studies of the National College of Music, one of the four London-based examining music grade colleges.

Visit www.andrew-m-wilson.com

He has won numerous international awards for his compositions (for details see website), which have been widely recorded and performed all over the world from Australia to New York to London’s Royal Albert Hall. This year sees the premiere of his children’s operetta ‘The Green Children’, which is also to be filmed for Anglia Television.

He composes in his Tavistock garden shed, overlooking the Tavy Valley, but also finds time to be Director of Music at Okehampton Parish Church and

FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL PASS TICKET This year, we are offering members of the Friends of the Festival the chance to buy a Festival Pass; one of these will enable you to obtain a discount on the price you pay for your tickets – minimum cost of Friends Membership is £20.

BRONZE pass

£50

SILVER pass

£100 discount due £30

discount due £10

GOLD pass

£200 discount due £75

PLATINUM pass

by arrangement

Depending on the class of Pass you purchase, you will qualify for varying discounts on your tickets – these tickets will need to be purchased direct from the Chairman; any sum not used by the end of the Festival will be viewed as a donation to the Friends.

Please contact Christopher Kirwin on 01822 859477 or bridgemoorhouse@gmail.com for Friends membership application form and relevant pass request (cheques payable to Tavistock Festival Bridgemoor House, Yelverton, PL20 6EA)

The Wharf Box Office - 01822 611166 enquiries@tavistockwharf.com

The Wharf Box Office - 01822 611166 enquiries@tavistockwharf .com

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

FRIDAY 1ST APRIL

Formal Opening of the Festival by the President, Andrew Wilson.

12 noon - The Terrace Restaurant - by Private Invitation

MUSIC

A variety of concerts to be held in St Eustachius’ Church from 16th April through to 2nd May. Highlights include Tavistock’s Stannary Brass Band and Tavistock Sings! with musicians from Mount Kelly, the Chamber Ensemble of London with a guest dancer will be an unmissable event on 29th April.

The Festival Concert Society Recital and The Festival Gala Supper (with guest musician Viktor Bijelovic) will both be held at Mount Kelly.

The Wharf Arts Centre will be hosting a variety of musical entertainment from The Tavy Tars to the Devon County Youth Brass Band.

ART EXHIBITIONS

April & May will come alive with various exhibitions and the Tavistock Arts Market on Saturday 16th April showcasing a number of local artists, will have something for everyone.

DRAMA & FILMS

The Tavonians Theatre Company are presenting their production of ‘My Boy Jack’ at various venues throughout West Devon - a not to be missed production.

Once again the Wharf Arts Centre will be hosting various Live Performance Broadcasts with your chance to see productions such as Giselle from the Royal Opera House and the Bolshoi Theatre with Don Quixote.

LECTURES, PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS A whole host of fascinating lectures and workshops throughout the Festival, from Tinworking on Dartmoor, to William Morris’ connections to Tavistock, alongside a poetry and prose workshop

by Myfanwy Cook ‘Dancing with Words’.

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

MUSIC SATURDAY 16TH APRIL

WEDNESDAY 20TH APRIL

7.30pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church.

Tickets £8 in advance from the Wharf Box Office (or £10 on the door)

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream. GBM Productions, together with international collaborators, will present the world premiere of the completely sung-through musical A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. 7.30pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre Tickets: £20 from Wharf Box Office, or on the door

Canoryon Lowen

SUNDAY 17TH APRIL

Music & Cakes @ Coffee & Cream Patisserie Throughout the day

Stannary Brass Band Concert with guests, the Kingsmen

‘Shakespeare’s Dreamings’

THURSDAY 21ST APRIL

Violin & Piano Recital by Elisabeth Holman & Andrew Wilson 1.00pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church - retiring collection to help defray costs

8.00pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre.

Tickets in advance from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office £8 (or £10 on the door)

Folk evening with Tavy Tars and friends, including Gypsy Train

MONDAY 18TH APRIL

7.30pm. Venue: Tavy Club - retiring collection to help defray costs

Song Recital – Bianca Phillips and her students, accompanied by Chris Howarth 7.30pm. Venue: Gallery 26, Bedford Hotel. Tickets: £7, bookable in advance from the Bedford Hotel Reception (or on the door)

TUESDAY 19TH APRIL

Organ Recital by Dr Sean Sweeney 1.00pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church (retiring collection to help defray costs)

WEDNESDAY 20TH APRIL

Recital by the Mount Kelly Musicians 12.30pm. Venue: The Abbey Chapel Tickets £5 on the door

Concert Society present a Clarinet & Piano Recital by Matthew Scott & Christine Zerafa 7.30pm. Venue: Melvin Hall, Mount Kelly, Parkwood Road Tickets: £13 (students – free) on the door or from concertsociety@mountkelly.com

FRIDAY 22ND APRIL

Limelight Night – visiting bands 8.00pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre Tickets from £4 from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL

Devon County Youth Brass Band 2.30pm. Venue: United Reformed Church, Russell Street retiring collection to help defray costs

Band TBC 8.00pm. Venue: Wharf Arts Centre. Tickets from £10 from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office

SUNDAY 24TH APRIL

Music & Cakes @ Coffee & Cream Patisserie Throughout the day

All Folk’d Up A five piece band rooted in Irish and Celtic folk and rock music 8.00pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre Tickets: from £16 from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office

The Wharf Box Office - 01822 611166 enquiries@tavistockwharf .com

MUSIC TUESDAY 26TH APRIL

SATURDAY 30TH APRIL

1.00pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church retiring collection to help defray costs

7.00pm for 7.30pm. Venue: Denis Ball Performing Arts Centre, Mount Kelly, Parkwood Road Tickets: £30 (tables of eight - £200) from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office or from the Chairman (bridgemoorhouse@gmail.com)

Oboe & Piano Recital by Leslie & Mary Mazur Park

Wurlitza presents ‘Sunrise’ with Janet Gaynor

Festival Supper with entertainment from Viktor Bijelovic

A film and live music extravaganza. 8.00pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre. Tickets: £6.50 from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office

SUNDAY 1ST MAY

WEDNESDAY 27TH APRIL

Throughout the day

TAVISTOCK SINGS!

A concert by musicians from Mount Kelly who will entertain us with a wide range of musical genres. 7.30 pm Venue: St Eustachius’s Church. Tickets: £2 per adult on the door or in advance from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office

THURSDAY 28TH APRIL

Violin & Piano Recital by Margaret Morris & David Crocker 1.00pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church.

Retiring collection to help defray costs

FRIDAY 29TH APRIL

(UNESCO World Dance Day) Piano Recital by Brian Chapple

1.00pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church Retiring collection to help defray costs

Chamber Ensemble of London, together with dancer, Heather Rees 7.30pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church. Tickets: £15 (students £8) from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office, or on the door

SATURDAY 30TH APRIL

Recital by ‘To Music Borne’ and Guest 1.00pm. Venue: Abbey Chapel Tickets: £5 on the door

Music & Cakes @ Coffee & Cream Patisserie ‘Rock and Raise’ A charity live music event in aid of Meningitis Research Foundation. Tickets: £8 (children £4).

3.00pm till late. Venue: Red & Black Club

Festival Evensong - choir augmented by Canticorum 6.00pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church

Concert by Canticorum 7.30pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church Retiring collection to help defray costs

MONDAY 2ND MAY

Choral Workshop directed by Andrew Wilson – ‘Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast’ 9.30am for 10.00am. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church For further details contact Rosemary Turner – talk2turners@btinternet.com or 07866 488630 Tickets for participants: £10 Workshop will be followed by tea at the Bedford Hotel

TAVISTOCK SINGS! Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast 6.00pm. Venue: St Eustachius’s Church. Retiring collection to help defray costs

An evening of music from local youth musicians/bands 7.30pm. Venue: Gallery 26, Bedford Hotel Tickets: £5, bookable in advance from the Bedford Hotel Reception

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

ART THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL

The Gallery @ The Terrace Restaurant – Collection of work by a range of artists.

SATURDAY 16TH APRIL Festival Artists’ Market

9.00am to 4.00pm. Venue: Bedford Square For details contact taviartsmarket@aol.com

MON 18TH TO FRI 29TH APRIL

Photographic Exhibition – ‘Hidden Valley’ 10.00am to 4.00pm. Venue: Tamar Valley Centre All welcome, collection to help defray costs

MON 2ND TO WED 27TH MAY

An exhibition of paintings and technical illustrations by Graham Schofield The Wharf Arts Centre

LIVE DRAMA PERFORMANCE LITERATURE BROADCAST LECTURES WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL

From the Royal Opera House – Giselle (A Live Performance Broadcast) 7.00pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre Tickets £13 from The Wharf Arts Centre Box Office or on the door

SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

From the Bolshoi Theatre – Don Quixote (A Live Performance Broadcast) 4.00pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre Tickets £12 from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office or on the door

MONDAY 25TH APRIL

From the Royal Opera House – Lucia di Lammermoor (A Live Performance Broadcast) 7.00pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre.

Tickets £12 from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office or on the door

FRIDAY 15TH APRIL

The 10th Russell Lecture given by Barry Gamble. Introducing the “Celebration of the Tinworking

Landscape of Dartmoor in its European Context” Taking place in Tavistock from 6th to 11th May 7.30pm Venue: The Library, Mount Kelly, Parkwood Road. Tickets: £10 (students free) in advance from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office, or £12 on the door.

SATURDAY 16TH APRIL

‘Cry of the Gulls’ A promotion by local author, Kate Ryder For details, contact 01822 612218 or Tavistock.library@devon. gov.uk 10.00am Venue: Tavistock Library

MONDAY 18TH APRIL

Lunchtime Lecture – Dr Geri Parlby Tavistock’s William Morris Connections 2.00pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre . Tickets: £5 on the door

The Wharf Box Office - 01822 611166 enquiries@tavistockwharf .com

DRAMA

LITERATURE

LECTURES TUESDAY 19TH APRIL

SATURDAY 21ST MAY

7.30pm. Venue: Parish Rooms, Plymouth Road.

Tickets £5 on the door or from Wharf Arts Centre box office.

A promotion by local author, Rosa Watkinson - 10.00am, Tavistock Library. For details, contact 01822 612218 or tavistock.library@devon.gov.uk

‘Cranford’ - Virtual Radio in Tavistock

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL

‘The Cracked Amulet’

‘Cry of the Gulls’

VARIOUS DATES

A promotion by local author, Kate Ryder for details, contact 01822 612218 or Tavistock.library@devon. gov.uk 10.00am. Venue: Tavistock Library

2.00pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre. Tickets: £5 on the door

TUESDAY 26TH APRIL

The 5th Drake Lecture given by Jeremy Black Professor of History at the University of Exeter – ‘The Politics of James Bond’ 2.30pm. Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre – Tickets: £10 from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office

THURSDAY 28TH APRIL Miracle Theatre’s Film – TIN

2.15pm, 4.30pm & 7.30pm Tickets £6.50 (£5 students) Venue: The Wharf Arts Centre 4.30pm showing primarily for students - £3

SATURDAY 30TH APRIL

Poetry & Prose Workshop with Myfanwy Cook ‘Dancing with Words’ This event is free but booking is essential (01822 612218 or Tavistock.library@devon.gov.uk) 10.00am. Venue: Tavistock Library

FRIDAY 6TH - 11TH MAY

A Celebration of the Tinworking Landscape of Dartmoor in its European Context event – Prehistory to 20th Century Tavistock Town Hall and other venues For booking details – www.dtrg.org.uk/booking.html

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

Lunchtime Lectures 4th April 11th April 18th April

25th April 9th May 16th May 23rd May

The Three Hares - Dr Sue Andrew ‘Devon’s Composers - Adrienne Hesketh Tavistock’s William Morris Connections - Dr Geri Parlby Lundy Island, A Virtual Tour - Simon Dell Unexplained Dartmoor - Roger Hutchins Tavistock Abbey - Andrew Thompson Russia & the West: A Family Affair - Catherine Deytrikh.

VARIOUS DATES

Tavonians Theatre Company presents ‘My Boy Jack’ by David Haig A play that tells the story of Rudyard Kipling and his grief for his son, John, who died in the First World War Wednesday 27th April 7.30pm Sourton Parish Hall Thursday 28th April 7.30pm Bere Alston Village Hall Monday 2nd May 7.30pm Milton Abbot Village Hall Tuesday 3rd May 7.30pm Callington Town Hall Tickets £10 (concessions £8) from www.tavonians.org.uk or local venues Wednesday 4th May 7.30pm Wharf Arts Centre Thursday 5th May 8.00pm Wharf Arts Centre Tickets £10 (concessions £8) from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office.

WHAT’S ON Saturday 23 April

29 April

All things Mods, Minis & Mopeds

Nancy Belle River Trips Cotehele

A celebration of the Swinging 60’s with over 60 Vintage, Retro & Artisan exhibitors, live music with Little Miss Mojo, Oh so 60’s fashion show, minis & scooters, beauty parlour, best dressed competition and tearoom. Entry £2.50 (under 12’s free) The Guildhall, Plymouth 10:30 - 4:30pm www.missivyevents.co.uk Sunday 24 April

Guided Walk – Burrator’s abandoned Farms

Exploring some of the abandoned farms around Burrator’. A short guided walk by Paul Rendell. £3 per person. 2pm-4pm Please book a place in advance on 01822 855700 or heritage@swlakestrust.org.uk

(Also 2, 13, 16, 30, 31 May) Board the Nancy Belle and head up river under the Calstock viaduct for this two hour trip - to learn about the Tamar Valley.

Call 01579 351346 for times and to book, £15.

Saturday 30 April

Importance of Being Earnest - Clearbrook

The Pantaloons present The Importance of Being Earnest on Saturday 30th April at 7.30 p.m. at Clearbrook Village Hall.

Tickets are £12.50 for adults, £8.00 children or £35.00 for a family of 4.

Contact Sue and Cliff for tickets on 01822 854692 Their last show proved very popular so book your tickets early to see this talented and exciting group of actors !

There will be a bar on the evening.

MAY Monday 2 May

Moor things Vintage & Lovely Spring Garden Fete,

Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton Over 45 Vintage & Artisan exhibitors, live music with Louise Parker, workshops, children’s entertainment, bbq and lots more. Entry £2.00 (under 5’s free) 10:30 - 4:00pm . www.missivyevents.co.uk Sunday 8 May

Bluebells at Foxhams

Woodland walk and bluebells at Foxhams House, Bedford Road, Horrabridge by kind permission of Keat Cawrse.

2.30 – 5pm Cream teas, cakes, tea/coffee, raffle. £2 entry per person. Proceeds in aid of Friends of St John’s Church For further info contact: Carolyn 01822 852385 Sunday 8 May

May Folk Sunday – Morwellham Quay

‘we come to you’

The computer repair service that comes to you!

• Trading as CVPC since 2003 • Complete repair service • New PCs & laptops for sale • File transfer & setup, old to new • Email and printer set up • Virus and spyware removal • Windows and Apple expert Home tuition also available - please call for details.

Come and join in the May celebrations with local musicians: Geoff Lakeman –singing a mix of traditional West Country folk songs; Bill Murray–performing old songs rooted in the Dartmoor tradition; Mariners Away – entertaining with a medley of sea shanties; The Minstrel Cyclists – a ukulele band with varied repertoire; John and Carol Butson –duo with guitar, banjo and banter;

POWDERMILLS POTTERY CRAFT SHOP & CREAM TEAS New This Summer

Know Your Hill Ponies Exhibition

Situated 2 miles west of Postbridge on the B3212, surrounded by beautiful Dartmoor scenery.

Call: 01822 855822 help@chezvouspc.com

Office Open 9am-5pm Weekdays See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Open 10:30am – 5 pm 7 days a week PL20 6SP TEL: 01822 880263 45

TAVISTOCK’S MOST FLEXIBLE VENUE Whether you’re holding a meeting, planning a dinner dance, a wedding or even an exercise class, our facilities, friendly and experienced staff and central location make us the ideal place to hold your event.

Call Ross and his team today to discuss your needs and reserve your time and date

01822 617232 Call Ross and his team today to discuss your needs and reserve your time and date

| www.tavistocktownhall.co.uk T. 01822 617232 E. townhall@tavistock.gov.uk townhall@tavistock.gov.uk www.tavistocktownhall.co.uk Tavistock Town Hall, Bedford Square, Tavistock PL19 0AE Tavistock Town Hall, Bedford Square, Tavistock, PL19 0AE

Open Tuesday to Saturday

WHAT’S ON Plus dancing from Lodestone Border Morris Dancers & Musicians

closes at 4pm on 15 May to which all are welcome. 10am to 4pm

Wednesday 11 May

Friday 13 May

Gardens Open Day

NSPCC – Plant Sale and Cream Teas

Hotel Endsleigh. Come along and explore this wonderful garden. One of the most complete Humphrey Repton gardens in the country. Also quality craft stalls and super raffle. Raising much needed funds to maintain Milton Abbot`s beautiful church.

Pre-booked lunches available in the hotel.

Entry £5.00 to include tea/coffee and biscuits. 11am – 4pm Wednesday 11, Sunday 15 and Wednesday 25 May

Spring walks

NT Buckland Abbey. Head out to discover the sights and smells of spring around the estate as our ranger takes you off the beaten track in the woodlands. Walk approximately 1.5 hours, roughly 3 miles.

Normal admission charges apply. 1pm start.

Thursday 12 May

Moors Edge U3A

Speaker on Wildlife in Madagascar All meetings are held at the Woolwell Centre starting at 2.30pm Friday 13 to Sunday 15 May

St Mary’s Sampford Spiney Flower Festival In aid of repairs to this beautiful 13th century Grade 1 listed moorland church – refreshments and a plant stall will be available and there will be a short Evensong/Compline after the festival

Food to feel good

Please come and support our annual sale at St Paul’s Church Hall, Yelverton, 2-4pm. Donations of plants would be very welcome. Please contact Sonja Cheadle on 01822 854710 Tuesday 17 May

Cooking the master’s dinner

NT Buckland Abbey. See the cooks prepare for the master’s dinner in the Abbey kitchen. Normal admission charges apply. 1- 2pm.

Wednesday 18 May

‘Dartmoor Wildlife – Past, Present & Future’.

Starting at the close of the Last Age ecologist Phil Page takes us on a journey through time that explains why Dartmoor is the way it is now and how it might develop in the future. In his talk he will address issues such as ‘Re-Wilding’ and the legal constraints that might be holding back wildlife resurgence. 7pm arrival for refreshments, 7.30pm-8.30pm talk. £3 per person. Please book your place in advance on 01822 855700 or heritage@ swlakestrust.org.uk Saturday 28 – Monday 30 May

Whittle and Burn

NT Buckland Abbey. Get outdoors by heading down Cot Lane to meet our outdoor team as they turn estate trees

into charcoal and whittle logs into useful objects for the home. Normal admission charges apply. 11am - 4pm

JUNE Wednesday 1 June

Family felt

Join local wool artist Claire Packer for a fun family friendly spring themed felt workshop. Normal admission plus £3 per person. 11am -4pm Saturday 18 June

Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir Gala Concert at St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock. Guests: the ‘Three Welsh Tenors’ (Aled Wyn Davies & colleagues), 7pm. Proceeds to Children’s Hospice South West. Tickets available from Bookstop, Tavistock, or at the door.

All event listings are FREE Send us event details for our next issue (June/July) by

Friday 6th May Please get in touch: editorial@tavylinks.co.uk or 01822 853110

about...

LUNCHTIME BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE OFFER! Buy any pizza for lunch and get a second one FREE with this advert Eat-in or Takeaway, Mon-Thurs 12-3 only

Conditions apply, valid until 29 April 2016

8 Pepper Street, Tavistock PL19 0BD | 01822 612117 | www.robertsonstavistock.co.uk See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

47

WHAT’S ON

LUNCHTIME LECTURES TAVISTOCK WHARF Organised by Dr Ann Pulsford, in aid of Friends of the Wharf

Every Monday at 2pm-All Welcome

APRIL 2016 11th April ADRIENNE HESKETH DEVON’S COMPOSERS 18th April DR GERI PARLBY TAVISTOCK’S WILLIAM MORRIS CONNECTIONS 25th April SIMON DELL LUNDY ISLAND: A VIRTUAL TOUR

MAY 2016 9th May ROGER HUTCHINS UNEXPLAINED DARTMOOR

16th May ANDREW THOMPSON TAVISTOCK ABBEY 23rd May CATHERINE DEYTRIKH RUSSIA & THE WEST: A FAMILY AFFAIR

JUNE 2016 6th June JOHN RUNDLE SEA URCHINS & BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Picture yourself in a boat on a river...

Moorings ] Storage ] Marine Services ] Chandlery ] Boat Trips ] Boat trips on the glorious Tamar River

for 2-12 people

] Special offer 3 months free mooring ] Sheltered deepwater swinging moorings ] Experienced team of shipwrights

and marine engineers

WEIR QUAY BOATYARD 48

Under new ownership Andy and Vicki Higgins

Bere Alston, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7BS info@weir-quay.com ] 01822 840474

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Knitting on the Edge 2016 Knitting on the Edge 2016 is part of the wider Tavistock Edge festival which takes place in July. Anyone who knits or crochets and wants to get involved in a bit of art and a bit of fun, with wool, is encouraged to get in touch and join in.

The Edge has been running a wool amnesty since January where people can donate any spare wool which will be used to create Twiddlemuffs for dementia sufferers at Derriford Hospital and Izzy Dolls for children in conflict and war zones.

Twiddle muffs are already being passed onto dementia sufferers. A strong relationship has been established with the Hembury Ward at Derriford Hospital and more than 50 have already been passed on to individual patients in need. The Edge plan to make at least 100 more. The Twiddlemuffs help to calm patients down as those with dementia often become agitated and distressed.

Izzy dolls are the other major project with a plan to make at least 1000. They are colourful, little dolls, about six inches high and again are easy to knit or crochet.

Hundreds have already been sent to refugee children in Turkey.

If you want to get involved, Knitting Korner and Yarns of Tavistock both have the patterns for muffs and dolls, and of course wool if you need it. Knitters can also join the group’s weekly knits at Kings Church every Wednesday morning from 10am to noon.

6th to 11th May

A Celebration of the Tinworking Landscape of Dartmoor, in its European Context (Prehistory to 20th Century) The tinworking landscape of Dartmoor is perhaps the finest in the world for its extent, completeness, chronological range and accessibility. Most of it falls within Dartmoor National Park and much is on open moorland to which there is unrestricted public access.

This conference, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group, and the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage

Designation of the Cornwall & West Devon Mining Landscape, will celebrate the diversity of this industrial landscape, and will compare its features and technologies with those of contemporary tinworking areas of continental Europe It will undoubtedly be a stimulus for future research.

Tavistock has been chosen as the conference venue as it was historically one of Devon’s four stannary towns, administering a tinworking district, and

was closely connected with mining for hundreds of years.

Tavistock Town Hall and other venues: www.dtrg.org.uk/booking.html

Seeing beyond the numbers Tavistock 01822 613167 Launceston 01566 772157

www.potterbaker.co.uk See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

49

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Sunday 10th April

Tavy 13 Half Marathon Last year Tavistock Athletic Club announced exciting route changes to the fifth running of the Tavy 13 half marathon, and those changes were hugely successful.

the home of TAC on one of the best athletics tracks in the South-West for their very own 100m dash!

For 2016 the course will lead runners along the old railway track cycle path on the edge of Tavistock before heading out towards Peter Tavy. Once runners head off the main road they will follow quiet lanes over the dramatic and stunning moorland areas of Dartmoor which lie on our doorstep, taking in Whitchurch Down & Lutyens folly on their return to Tavistock, via the river walk (St Johns Avenue) and The Meadows . Runners will then finish at

Whilst runners are taking on the half marathon the very popular primary schools challenge & fun run will take place along Crowndale Road and finish on the athletic track. Local businesses Ocean BMW and Mansbridge Balment are supporting the event & runners can pick up forms from their offices or by visiting www.Tavy13.co.uk

Friday 15th April

Tavistock Business Expo - Invite, share, collaborate!

Following the success of the first ever Business Expo in November last year, organised by the local Chamber of Commerce, this event looks set to become a regular feature for businesses in and around Tavistock The Chamber of Commerce actively supports the local business community. It hopes businesses of all sizes and from a variety of sectors will take advantage of the free advice and support on offer. With relaxed networking, presentations, the return of the

19, 20 & 21st May

Devon County Show For the very best of Devon food, farming, fun and rural life, come to the Devon County Show! An entertainment extravaganza: • • • •

Shetland Pony Grand National Bolddog Lings Motocross stunt team Titan the Robot (Friday & Saturday) Grand Parade of Livestock (Friday & Saturday)

Business Genie and workshops, we have added a little spice and will also be joined by an international trade company who will be hosting wine tasting throughout the day.

Tavistock Town Hall – from 9.30am – 4pm Contact secretary@tavichamber.co.uk for more information or get your FREE ticket to attend by visiting https:// tavistockbusinessshowapril2016.eventbrite.co.uk

• Channel 5’s David Kennard & his farmyard tales • Music at the bandstand • Meirion Owen and his dogs & ducks • Falcons and ferret racing • Farm Wise Devon for children • 4 x 4 course • Local Beers and Cider And lots, lots more!

CACI Ultimate non-surgical facials Multi award-winning, revolutionary, anti-ageing facials: • Lifts, firms and tones • Redefines facial contours • Targets lines, wrinkles, acne, blemishes and pigmentation

Your local CACI Expert With 5 years ‘hands on’ experience BSc Hons Relaxing treatment room in Yelverton 50

• Re-educates facial muscles CACI facials target the underlying muscles as well as the skin itself.

‘A power facial that turns back time’

NEW Eye Treatment EYE REVIVE n n n n

Soothes tired & puffy eyes Reduces fine lines & wrinkles Combats dark circles Lifts hooded eyes

Good Housekeeping Magazine, 2015

Tel: 07522 866614

www.tarastreatments.co.uk

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

16 & 17th April

Stylish Lifestyle Show Miss Ivy Events proudly presents The Stylish Lifestyle Show at Pentillie Castle. Exhibitors will be displaying their own unique products and services interwoven throughout the ground floor rooms of the Castle. The show then continues into the grounds of Pentillie with a grand marquee filled with more lifestyle exhibitors, live music and a variety of delicious, local food suppliers; all of which can be enjoyed while taking in the surrounding garden area and stunning views of the River Tamar.

Visitors will be able to get involved in and gain inspiration from a range of workshops and demos that will run throughout the course of the weekend. Fiona Wilson from The Great Interior Design Challenge will be showing visitors how to update their furniture, and how to mix and use chalk paint, as well as Cathryn from Cornish Interiors and Velvet Daisy both bringing their expert, creative ideas to the show.

well as the chance to explore this fantastic location and learn more about the rich history of the area.

The Stylish Lifestyle Show offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy a full weekend of goods and services, talks, demos and entertainment from our many talented regional businesses, as

To find out more about The Stylish Lifestyle Show, how to book your tickets all the lastest news and infomation, please visit www.stylishshows.co.uk for further details.

27th April to 5th May

My Boy Jack - Tavonians Theatre Company My Boy Jack, presented by Tavonians Theatre Company will be on tour in April and May. This is a powerful and moving account of the anguish suffered by Rudyard Kipling over his decision to send his myopic son, John, to war.

The play is not so much about the Great War as about Kipling’s decision, which had devastating consequences for his family and it examines the war between Kipling’s own greatest passions – his love for his children and his devotion to King and Country.

This play by David Haig is based on the true story of one of England’s greatest writers and his family. Tavonians Theatre Company is fortunate to have a superb cast in this the 150th anniversary year of the birth of Kipling. The production will tour from 27th April ending with two nights at the Wharf in Tavistock on 4th and 5th May. See www.tavonians.org.uk for details of venues and booking tickets.

Drake’s Auctions Tavistock

Sales are held at Parade Business Park, Tavistock, fortnightly on Mondays.

Viewings held from 12 - 5pm on the Sunday preceding sale.

See our website for the full auction calendar.

Antiques • Collectables • Jewellery • Quality Furniture • Household Appliances • Garden Furniture • Tools & Machinery We offer house clearance and valuation services, and take in goods at our office, every Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 4pm and Saturday 9am - 12 noon.

For more information call us on: 01822 616992

www.drakesauctions.co.uk Unit 6 Parade Business Park, Pixon Lane, Tavistock PL19 9RQ

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

51

NATIONAL TRUST

Buckland Abbey in bloom

The Great North Wood will be a sea of colour, from bluebells and rhododendrons, Rembrandt tulips and wild garlic.

Spring has started to at Buckland Abbey with a radiant display of colourings appearing within the gardens and around the estate. Up in Great North Wood you will soon be able to see a sea of colour as bluebells start to bloom, along with the rhododendrons, Rembrandt tulips, wild garlic and ransoms around the gardens and estate. It’s an ideal time to explore Buckland’s estate – be it with family, friends or with the dog.

We’re expecting the bluebells to be in full colour early May, but do check our website for updates.

SPRING WALKS

Buckland Abbey is now open daily from 10.30am-5.30pm. For more details of our events, latest news and more please visit our website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland, give us a call on 01822 853607 or like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter, @ BucklandAbbeyNT.

Wednesday 11, Sunday 15 and Wednesday 25 May, 1pm start Head out to discover the sights and smells of spring around the estate as our ranger takes you off the beaten track in the woodlands. Walk approximately 1.5 hours, roughly 3 miles.

WHITTLE AND BURN

Saturday 28 – Monday 30 May, 11am-4pm Get outdoors by heading down Cot Lane to meet our outdoor team as they turn estate trees into charcoal and whittle logs into useful objects for the home.

EARLY-BIRD NATUREMAKE Friday 3 June, 10.30am

Join the Naturemake team for an early-bird workshop creating wonderful fairy-tale inspired sculptures, from dragons and maidens, woodland fortresses to enchanted pixie gardens and more. Booking essential. £12 per person.

Call 0844 249 1895 to book.

Discover tales of Drake, explore the woodland walks, marvel at our Rembrandt and find your place of peace and tranquility at Buckland Abbey.

01822 853607 nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland

52

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Buckland Abbey

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

NATIONAL TRUST

The natural beauty of spring at Lydford Gorge Spring is a beautiful time to visit Lydford Gorge when more sunlight makes the water sparkle. The bird song is at its very best at this time of year. Towards the end of spring drifts of bluebell flowers appear amongst the carpets of green and white wild garlic. You can choose between three circular walks around the gorge taking on the challenge of the full gorge walk of three miles or two shorter walks which enable visitors to experience the adventure of seeing the full beauty of the White Lady Waterfall and the impressive power of the Devil’s Cauldron at either end of the gorge.

Come and see our new suspension bridge crossing the river at the base of the White Lady Waterfall. There has been a bridge at this crossing point for many years dating right back to the Victorian times. This new bridge has been a very exciting project for our ranger team replacing the old wooden bridge which has been in-situ for the past twenty years.

During the Easter holidays Saturday 25 March to Sunday 10 April we have our family Cadbury Easter egg hunt out in the orchard which is always very popular with Cadbury bunny

‘Absolutely breathtakingly stunning’ Visitor comment April 2015.

Easter eggs as prizes for all completed hunts. This along with our other springtime events throughout April and May will ensure a memorable visit and an enjoyable experience for the whole family. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/lydford-gorge.

CADBURY FAMILY EASTER EGG HUNT

From Friday 25th March. Easter trail around the orchard

BIRD BOX DAY Thursday 7 April. 1pm-4pm TWO ROUTES TO LYDFORD Saturday 15 May. A study of the two railway lines that ran to

Lydford from Plymouth. Join us from 2 -3.30pm

SUMMER HALF TERM TRAIL

Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June

MINI RAFT MAKING AND POOH STICKS. Thursday 2 June. 1 - 4pm

spring Lydford Gorge

Seven days a week 10am5pm from 5 March through to 30 October 2016. Tea-rooms offering tempting refreshments and gift shop.

Members and under 5s go free.

01822 820320 nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Stunning Dartmoor circular walks through an enchanted river gorge.

53

Amanda & James invite you to their Showroom BATHROOMS & TILES By amanda - james

OVER 30 BATHROOM SETTINGS TO INSPIRE YOU

Amanda & James have extended! n

Bathrooms LARGE NEW

n

Tiles

SHOWROOM

NOW OPEN

Showers Visit us at:PLYMOUTH ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE,

n n

Wet Rooms Tavistock

n

Bathroom Furniture

PL19 9QN

01822 618619

n Mirrors and Cabinets& TILING NEEDS FOR ALL YOUR BATHROOM n

Towel Rails & Designer Radiators

n

Accessories LONDON MARATHON Sunday April 24th 2016 I will be running the London Marathon for the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of my daughter Aimee who contracted, and sadly died of Meningoccal Septicaemia at the age of 9 months. I am hoping to raise awareness to parents of children thinking of going to University of a new vaccine available which helps to combat the deadly new strain of the meningoccal bacteria. Loosing Aimee as a baby was devastating but I can’t imagine the loss of a child as a young adult.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated and make the 26.1 miles all worthwhile.

Please donate to my just giving page www.justgiving.com/amandawarnett Many thanks for all your support Mandy Warnett

Visit us at Unit 8 Plymouth Road Ind Est Visit us at Tavistock PL9 9QN 01822 618 619 ESTATE, UNIT 8 PLYMOUTH ROAD INDUSTRIAL info@tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk TAVISTOCK, PL19 9QN Tel. 01822 618 619 www.tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk

BATHROOMS & By amanda -

Amanda & James ha n

Bathrooms LARGE NEW

n

Tiles

Showers Visit us at:PLYMOUTH ROAD INDUST

n n

Wet Rooms Tavistock

n

Bathroom Furniture

PL19

01822 618

Mirrors and Cabinets& ALL YOUR BATHROOM

n FOR n

Towel Rails & Design

n

Accessories

info@tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk www.tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk

FORALL ALLYOUR YOURBATHROOM BATHROOM AND FOR ANDTILING TILINGNEEDS NEEDS

SHO

NOW OP

NATIONAL TRUST

Blossoms Galore Cotehele is well know for its gardens full of daffodils, but enjoy some of their more exotic species like the orange Chilean Firebush too!

The gardeners have been working all winter getting the beds planted and the trees pruned in preparation for this annual springtime show. Tulips will be a showstopper in The Terraces on the east side of the house and sometime in mid-May the gardeners will pick the first flower for the annual Christmas garland, which this year will be celebrating its 60th anniversary.

NANCY BELLE RIVER TRIPS

The gardeners have also been improving access in the steep, tranquil Valley Garden, whilst making sure to retain its charm.

The plant collection is wide and varied as one would expect in a traditional Cornish garden with a good collection of magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons. There’s also a twist with some exotic species like the century-old Trachycarpus palm trees, tree ferns, Gunnera (giant rhubarb) and the bright orange Chilean firebush in summer.

Daily (to June) 11am-5pm Exhibition featuring homemade furniture, bird baths and sculpture for your garden. Normal admission.

Find details at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele, or like Cotehele on Facebook and Twitter. The staff and volunteers always look forward to welcoming you to Cotehele on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar.

29 April and 2, 13, 16, 30, 31 May Board the Nancy Belle and head up river under the Calstock viaduct to learn about the Tamar Valley. 2 hrs, ring 01579 351346 for times and to book, £15.

HOMES AND GARDENS IN COTEHELE GALLERY

FIRST WORLD WAR: ON THE HOME FRONT

Daily 11am-4pm Year three of Cotehele’s First World War exhibition featuring photos, trench art and personal items loaned from members of the local community. Normal admission.

Cotehele in the Spring

Members and under 5s go free.

01579 351346 nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Stunning spring gardens, tranquil walks, tapestry clad rooms, eating and shopping. Something for everyone at Cotehele.

55

MUSIC & ART

Dartmoor Border Morris – dance season begins!

Dartmoor Border Morris are getting ready for a big launch to their dance season this year, with an appearance in an advert due to be aired on Saturday 9th April on Channel 4, during the Grand National horse race for the Black Farmer Company.

Despite television fame, Dartmoor Border Morris have still got have their feet firmly on the floor in Meavy. Their summer dance season includes: 24th April – Plymouth Barbican Mayday - Upton Folk Fest 4th May – Royal Oak Inn, Meavy Every Wednesday – various pubs across Dartmoor 19th May – joining with Lodestone Border Morris at ‘Who’d Have Thought It Inn’, Milton Combe Charity collections for Action Nepal www.dartmoorbordermorris.com or on Facebook

Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir – Celebrating 10 Years!

Ten years old! What a birthday year for the Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir who first came together with a concert at Chillington South Devon in April 2006. Since that first concert with just nine members, the Choir, now numbering nearly forty members of all ages and diverse backgrounds has raised many thousands of pounds for local charities.

Having gained recognition nationally and internationally for the high quality of their concerts, 2016 is an especially exciting year for the Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir as the choir celebrates the return visit of the Welsh Tenor Aled Wyn Davies who was such a wow at the Choir’s Annual Tavistock Gala Concert last year.

56

The Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir Gala Concert audience 2016 can look forward to an evening to remember on the 18th June when Aled returns to St Eustachius’ Church Tavistock, as choir guest, bringing with him his two colleagues from the group collectively known as “The Three Welsh Tenors”. The 2016 Gala Concert revenues will be in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

With a very busy program of concerts for 2016 further details/ dates can be viewed on the choir website. Tickets for the Gala Concert at Tavistock’s St Eustachius’ Church on 18th June will be available from Bookstop, Tavistock or Terry Pearce 01822810648 from Mid-April onwards. Adult price £12.50 and children under 14 years £5.

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

MUSIC & ART Saturday 23 April and Sunday 24 April

An Exhibition of West Country Artists 2016 10 years time, whereas buying a picture could be the investment of a lifetime! He cited selling his first picture to David Brown (one time owner of Aston Martin) for a very few pounds which is now worth some thousands – happily the attendees took, and over the years have continued to take, the hint!

In 2012, St Mary’s Sampford Spiney started to raise money to repair their leaky tower(doesn’t every church have one……..?!) and early on it was pretty clear that the 100 souls living in the community would be unlikely to able to raise the sums involved.

The only solution seemed to be to run a series of events that would attract the wider community to have some fun and raise money at the same time. One idea was to run an art exhibition each year and, with no public space or parking available in Sampford Spiney, it was decided to use the excellent Gallery 26 at the Bedford Hotel

From the outset the organisers wanted it to be a quality exhibition offering selected artists the opportunity to show their work at a high quality venue. As in previous years, around 25 artists will be offering around 120 pieces in a very wide variety of styles and mediums. This year we have work on show from the former David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year, Karen Laurence Rowe; miniatures by Roz Pierson, President of the Royal Society of Miniature Artists and co-Founder of the Hilliard Society; as well as work by Mary Gillett, Ley Roberts, Ian Pethers, John Dodson, Janet Brady and many others.

Now in its 4th year An Exhibition of West Country Artists was inspired, at least in part, by Ken Howard, a former resident of Sampford Spiney and world renowned artist. He told the organisers that on leaving the Royal Marines he moved to Sampford Spiney to learn to paint snow! He exhibited at and opened the first exhibition in 2013 and encouraged all those there to buy something. Amusingly he pointed out that we all seem happy to buy a car which will be a valueless pile of rust in

Gallery 26, Bedford Hotel, Tavistock from 10am to 4pm

Everyday throughout May

Delamore Art - Over 100 Artists Exhibition Every year Delamore gathers together the work of over 100 artists from across the UK and hosts one of the largest collections of paintings and sculpture for sale in the South West.

The exhibition, which is particularly renowned for its outdoor sculpture and magnificent gardens, is now in its 14th year and during the time it has been running has raised over £100,000 for charity. This year our supported charity is www.moorvision. org. Also this year we are hosting the South West Academy (SWAc) Annual exhibition in the new gallery at Delamore Park, and featuring a collaborative artwork by Stephen Quick and our Delamore ad for Moorlinks 2016_Layout 1 07/01/2016 14:53 visitors!

Finally, along with our expanding woodland arts trail

with interactive exhibits for children, and our Café serving homemade soups and sandwiches we will be holding a number of art talks and demonstrations. More information is available at www.delamore-art. co.uk Delamore is open Page 1 every day in May 10.30 am to 4.30pm.

delamorearts16 FRESH ART IN A COUNTRY HOUSE SETTING 01–31 May 2016 • 10.30am–4.30pm daily • Entry £7.50 Cornwood • Ivybridge • Devon PL21 9QT Tel: 01752 837236/01752 837663

www.delamore-art.co.uk See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

57

FEATURE

Safety on Dartmoor Day

Saturday 28th May, Lydford Sports Field.

This fun and informative event has now been running very successfully for five years and there will once again be representatives from Dartmoor National Park Authority, Lydford Gorge National Trust, the emergency services, MOD, Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, Camels Head specialist rescue team, Devon Air Ambulance Trust and St John’s Ambulance.

There will be plenty of opportunities to sit in fire engines, police cars, land rovers, ambulances and vintage tractors as well as meet some of the Dartmoor rescue dogs and police dogs, and talk to fire-fighters, police officers and ambulance staff who will all be giving up their time to attend this worthwhile event. The MoD will have ammunition displays and be able to advise on walking safely in areas used for Dartmoor’s military ranges. Rob Taylor, sector ranger for the DNPA, will be on hand to discuss Dartmoor’s attractions and the best areas to visit, as well as how to enjoy Dartmoor responsibly. The fire service may also bring along a portable driving simulator that demonstrates the dangers of drunk driving or texting and driving. The air ambulance and police helicopter will both be making a fly-past during the day as long as call-outs permit and there is also a chance that this might be the year that a Battle of Britain Spitfire completes a fly-past for the event; the organisers have tried to book the Spitfire for the last four years but due to the weather or other commitments it has not been possible up to now - so fingers crossed for this year!

communities in crisis around the world. Okehampton ATC will again be at the event after last year’s popular climbing experience on their seven-metre-climbing tower. Devon Wheels 2 Work will also be on hand to talk about their valuable work helping people in Devon and Somerset to get on the road and access work and training, with cost-effective scooter and motorcycle rental.

Shelterbox will be attending for the first time, with some of the emergency shelters and supplies they provide to support 58

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

Safety on Dartmoor Day will be combining with Lydford Summer Fair again to provide an excellent day out for all the family over the bank holiday weekend.

In addition there will be all the fun of the Summer Fair with stalls, games, refreshments and a family dog show run by Margaret Green Animal Rescue’s Wingletang Centre, where canines of all descriptions are encouraged to try their paw at winning one of the categories. Kountry Kit will have a stall, as will Dartmoor Conservation Meat and a number of local businesses and producers of arts and crafts.

This is an excellent opportunity for everyone who lives and works on Dartmoor or just enjoys spending recreational time on Devon’s beautiful moorland, to find out a little more about how Dartmoor National Park rangers and the emergency services and charities work in partnership to keep people safe on Dartmoor.

They hope that by sharing that information with the public it will enable them to provide a better service and that people will either avoid danger or know who to turn to for help if they find themselves in a difficult situation. So come along and meet the people who help to look after Dartmoor and keep its users safe.

Rosemary Best

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

59

DOG WALK

Walk a stairway to Heaven This walk encompasses the ancient stone rows of Merrivale and is one of my favourite moorland walks.

An interesting walk to lift your spirits as well as the heart rate.... "killing two birds with one stone", I could say....or should it be the other way around?!

Best explored on foot, the dual rows of granite stone are barely visible from the road but easily accessible if you know how to find them! Park just off the B3357 heading towards Princetown and park in the small car park on the right, on the opposite side of the valley, just past the Dartmoor Inn.

However, the version I prefer is their significance during burials or cremations as a marked pathway for the spirit to follow on its spiritual journey to Heaven. Their proximity to Bronze Age cists (graves), allude to this theory and they evoke a notion of religious, cultural and historical value as you wander their path.

Head in a westerly direction and carefully climb the bank aside your vehicle. Keep walking in this direction on a gradual incline, until the end of the rows become visible either in front or to your left (Northerly). On reaching the rows, follow their path, as I hasten to add, many have before. Their purpose was defined long before written records existed and thus, no one explanation can confirm their existence, but suffice to say, they are reputed to have associations with the seasons and the sun; the stones becoming an indicator of the direction and height of the sun, as it casts its shadow across their surface, and subsequently an indicator of the change in seasons.

Having done so, the walk can be extended by continuing North until a larger car park surrounded by trees, (the site of an old school) becomes visible. From here, you can either follow the water channel (leat) back to the start point or, as the OS map reveals, discover the numerous stone circles in the vicinity, and a large standing stone (menhir), which in good visibility will stand proud in the distance from the direction whence you came.

Strength, Stamina and Shape â?¤

Personal fitness training outdoors, at home or studio.

Fully qualified instructor in Pilates, Nordic Walking, Cycling, Strength training and much more!

Gift vouchers available

FIND YOUR ROUTE TO FITNESS IN 2016 Check the website www.lovedartmoor.com for details or contact Elaine 07989 575182 info@lovedartmoor.com 60

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

Elaine from Love Dartmoor is a Dartmoor Guide and Personal trainer, who takes groups and individuals on the moor.

Massive BMX Stock Clearance!

RENTALS . REPAIRS . CLOTHING . ACCESSORIES

nce 0% Finable availa ATLAS HOUSE, TAVISTOCK, DEVON, PL19 9DP

01822 618178

dartmoorcycles@gmail.com www.dartmoorcycles.co.uk See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

61

FOOD & WINE

Easy Spicy Moroccan Lamb Tagine A delicious and alternative way to use this season’s spring lamb – and so easy!

Ingredients (serves 4)

Method

800g (1 lb 12 oz) lean lamb leg steak 125g (4 1/2 oz) onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 5cm (2 in) cinnamon stick, broken in half 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons ground turmeric salt and black pepper 125g (4 1/2 oz) dried apricots, quartered 175g (6 oz) carrots, diced 100g (3 1/2 oz) courgettes, diced 350g (12 oz) tomatoes, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 300g (10 1/2 oz) couscous To garnish: 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh coriander and parsley

Trim any fat off the lamb and cut it into 2.5 cm (1 in) cubes.

Put the meat, onions, garlic, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, ginger, paprika and turmeric into a large heavy based saucepan or casserole, season to taste and add enough water to cover. Bring the contents to the boil, then cover the pan, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes or transfer to a low oven (160*).

Add the apricots, carrots, courgettes, tomatoes, coriander and parsley to the pan and cook, covered, for a further 15 minutes.

and leave it for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Transfer the couscous to into a metal sieve, and steam the couscous over the stew for 15 minutes until warm, fluffed up and tender. Add salt to taste.

To serve, spoon the couscous onto a serving dish; lift the lamb and vegetables from the pan with a slotted spoon and lay them on top of the couscous and sprinkle them with chopped coriander and parsley. Pour the broth into a jug or bowl to serve separately and let people help themselves at the table.

Meanwhile, put the couscous into a bowl, add just enough cold water to cover it

Come and relax in a cosy and warm environment with friendly staff and a pleasant atmosphere

Homemade Cakes ¤ Range of Teas and Coffees Great breakfasts ¤ Fabulous lunches ¤ Fully licensed Cyclists and Walkers welcomed as we are alongside the Drakes Trail/Route 27 Family friendly Dogs welcomed

Email: abbie@drakescafe.co.uk • www.drakescafe.co.uk Tel: 01822 617697 • Halfway House, Grenofen, PL19 9ER 62

OPEN 8am - 5pm, 7 days

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

FOOD & WINE

The Essence of Wine Flavours and characteristics that make a wine so special

With a sound knowledge of a particular grape variety and its unique characteristics, one is often able to pre-empt the potential flavour and a feel of a wine before you actually try it. That said, even to the most experienced wine buff, there are several factors that can possibly alter ones anticipated perception of a wine. The vintage ... every wine from a specific year will adopt the signature of that unique vintage. The age of vines can change the finished wine, older vines will often result in greater concentration with more texture ... which in turn, can benefit from a little extra bottle aging ... which in turn, might benefit and be enhanced by the use of wood as its influence and such a wine will, as a result, control a much higher price, it goes on .... The use of oak is so complex and intriguing. Whether during fermentation or aging prior to bottling, the influences of oak can radically change a wine. I say ‘can’ change a wine, when skilfully used to a minimum, the apparent end result can sometimes leave you totally unaware that oak has indeed had a part to play in that wine’s production. Maybe used just to add the mouth feel and to help the structure of a wine rather than enhance the flavour; it is a bit like seasoning food, you only notice it if it is not correct.

One can always be forgiven for being confused by the somewhat enormous array of different grape varieties. Whilst I am sure most can rattle off maybe 10-15 of the principal grapes ... keep going, there are just shy of 1000 varieties, and to confuse you further many varieties have many alternative names. It is when a wine is a mix of two or more varieties that one can be

overwhelmed, as each variety will bring its own individuality to the ‘cuvee’ or mix. It is a misconception often aired that blended wines are inferior to single variety wines. This could not be further from the truth. The top and most expensive wines from say Bordeaux are, with very few exceptions, blends of 2, 3, or up to 5 varieties. Indeed, ‘blending’ to perfection requires great skill, a key understanding of how each grape will sit side by side with another and how they will age as one.

Food for thought. Whilst one samples a wine with your mouth, do not underestimate the essential influences of your nose. In short, if you cannot smell, you cannot taste. Trust me, next time you open a bottle of wine, before you smell or sip it, pinch your nose and then have a sip. It is only when you release your nose that you will get the full impact and flavour of the wine. Whilst recently hosting a formal wine dinner I was made aware how important your eyes are in the art of tasting. Without taking note of the intricacies of the delicious plate of food I was eating, I was unable to identify a flavour. I recalled that the plate had basically been made up of brown and green colours yet my palate had been confused. It was only when I checked the menu that I noticed I had eaten golden beetroot. In my world beetroot is dark purple, my eyes had indeed deceived my palate.

Final thought ... you never stop topping up your ‘wine memory bank’ ... so keep practicising!

Charles Steevenson

"Tavistock's Independent Wine Merchant supplying wine throughout the South West" Plymouth Road Industrial Estate, Tavistock, Devon PL19 9QN / www.steevensonwines.co.uk / Tel: 01822 616272 / sales@steevensonwines.co.uk

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

63

Don’t leave it too late to Family Break Down? make your Will.

If youLegal passoffers away without leaving Drake you a solution to your a will, then your estate may not pass to the people you would expect.

This may not be what you want for your family and problems. We are caring, understanding, the only way to ensure that your wishes are adhered to is to make a Will. friendly and fully qualified to help you reach a full and final settlement to your At Drake Legal we have the experience and knowledge to ensure that your matrimonial issues.

Call us visit requests are met and your loved ones are provided for. today, Our expert team can writing a Will, existing Will, planning, office orestate email us At help Drakeyou Legalwith we operate a clear andrevision of anour Powers of Attorney, etc.

We provide a storage facility at no extra cost. open fixed fee pricing policy and your and let our team start to help.

initial consultation is free.

Weyou pridewith the Probate of an estate.

Wewith canus also assist ourselves on providing a tailored solution to your matrimonial/family problems

Call us today, visit our office or email us We also specialise in prenuptial agreements and let our team start to help.

Unit 3, Kilworthy Park, Drake Road, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0BZ T. 01822 619230 E. enquiries@drake-legal.co.uk www.drake-legal.co.uk

BUSINESS News from Geoffrey Cox MP

Fireworks - regulations and legislation Fireworks can be a controversial subject about which, from time to time, I receive letters from concerned constituents. From the impact that they have on our pets and livestock to the anti-social behaviour they are sometimes seen to facilitate, they certainly cause a great deal of distress for those who have written to me and who have raised particular concerns over their use in areas such as ours, which relies on its wildlife and peaceful countryside to promote our tourism industry.

While for many people the use of fireworks on special occasions is something to be enjoyed, whether that is to mark the 5th of November or to celebrate the wedding of a loved one, for some they are nothing but a disturbance and potential danger.

It goes without saying that they can of course be very dangerous and it is right that the use and sale of them is controlled. Events where fireworks are used should be well planned and safety should be paramount.

Firework regulations allow fireworks for home use to be sold during the traditional firework periods of Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali. Suppliers who wish to sell fireworks outside the traditional periods, for example during the summer wedding period, must comply with stringent conditions before being granted a licence by their local licensing authority. This means the availability and use of fireworks outside the traditional periods has been greatly reduced. The regulations also created a curfew preventing the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am all year round with the exception of 5 November, when the curfew starts at 12 midnight, and New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali, when the curfew starts at 1.00 am on the night of celebration. Excessive noise from fireworks, or noise during

the curfew period, can be considered a statutory nuisance and local authority environmental health officers have the power to investigate complaints of fireworks noise and act to prevent it where appropriate.

I also understand concerns about the distress noisy fireworks can cause to pets, livestock and wildlife. This is one of the reasons that there is a noise level limit of 120 decibels on fireworks for home use. The Government recognises, however, that even at this level fireworks noise can be distressing to some animals and refer owners to advice on keeping animals safe during fireworks periods. This is freely available from animal charities, such as the Blue Cross. Although there is some use of fireworks outside the traditional times of the year, the Government believes that the majority of people who use fireworks do so appropriately and have a sensible and responsible attitude towards them. There are no plans at the moment to place further limitations on their use, however, I, with many others, will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that current legislation and guidance is fit for their purpose.

Geoffrey Cox

Helping Hands

BESPOKE CLEANING SERVICES

Cleaning • Ironing • Gardening • Shopping • Dog Walking Holiday Changeovers • Accompanied Appointments For all your household needs help is at ‘Hands’

Sue Limb 07939812763 Email: sue@dartmoorhelpinghands.com Established 2004. Full Public Liability Insurance

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

65

BUSINESS

IT FAQs

Gidon from The Technology Company answers your technology questions

Q. I’d like something to track my activity levels. What would you recommend?

Activity trackers or fitness bands, have become very popular and range hugely in their features. Basic activity trackers measure your steps, calories burned and quality of sleep. The waterproof Garmin vivofit 2 would be my pick with over a year of battery life.

Beyond the basic activity trackers, more expensive models introduce wrist based heart rate monitoring for more accurate measurements of calories burned; smart notifications from your Bluetooth connected phone and some even have integrated GPS. Although these really move into the Smart Watch territory.

Battery life suffers with more features, ranging from 7 days to only 24 hours. A few options would be the Garmin Vivosmart HR and the Fitbit Charge HR without GPS, or the Garmin Vivoactive and Fitbit Surge, with GPS. Q. We’d like to play the latest computer games on our desktop PC. Is this possible?

Many desktop PCs bought within the last 3 years can easily be upgraded to play the latest computer games. In most cases, all you’ll need is a graphics card, which simply slots into your

computer’s case. For around £100, an nVidia GTX 750 Ti will handle most games. For under £170, an nVidia GTX 960 will provide performance easily rivalling the latest consoles, with far cheaper games.

With the advent of game distribution services like Steam, purchasing and installing games couldn’t be easier. See my complete article: http://goo.gl/xMlhpR. Q. I’d like to convert a few of my old vinyl records to digital files to play on my smartphone and Bluetooth speaker. How would I go about this?

This can be done fairly cheaply, although it is time consuming. You’ll usually need a phono to 3.5mm cable, to connect from your amp’s audio out, to a computer’s line in port. Download the free sound recording and editing software Audacity, play the record and press the red record button. You can perform basic editing of the created file to remove clicks and pops and other unwanted audio if you want. Finally, export the file as an MP3.

Gidon Reid

If you have any questions now or for a future column, and for all previous articles, please visit thetechnologycompany.co.uk/linksqa.

For all your technology needs

Computers • Printers • Tablets • Cameras & Action Cameras • Sonos Wireless HiFi Bluetooth Speakers • Parrot Drones • Garmin GPS & Smart Watches • Torches Leatherman Multi-tools • Accessories & Cables • Gadgets • Gifts Ideas from £5

4 Paddons Row•Tavistock

01822 618544

thetechnologycompany.co.uk

APPLE • SONOS • CANON • ACER • PANASONIC • SAMSUNG • GARMIN 66

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

BUSINESS

Mental Capacity It’s something we all take for granted but what happens to us when we lose our mental capacity?

Nowadays, progressive mental illnesses, such as dementia, mean that whilst we may be in good physical health, our mental health can rapidly decline and we can quickly lose the mental capacity to deal with our financial affairs. If this happens and there is no Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, it can be a very costly and lengthy process involving the Court where decisions will need to be made on your behalf by another party. Often, this may be someone who does not know you such as Social Services and has no idea about your wishes and feelings. This person, known as a Deputy, may also be able to charge certain fees for looking after your property and affairs and would have the power to sell your home to pay for any care home fees if this were necessary.

As well as making decisions about finances, you can give the

However, if you were to give power to another person (your attorney) whilst you still had the capacity to do so, this would be registered in advance with the Court and if you were ever to lose the capacity to deal with your own property or financial affairs, then the process for your attorney to step in and do so would be very straightforward. Your attorney can be a family member, friend or a solicitor.

If you would like more information about creating a Lasting Power of Attorney, please feel free to call us to speak with one of our team.

Jo Taylor

power to your attorney to make decisions about your own health and welfare. This is equally important, especially if you have strong views about whether you wish to move to a care home or want to remain in your own home for as long as possible. Also, you can express your wishes about whether or not you wish to receive life sustaining treatment.

Having the power now to specify your wishes can mean that you have some degree of control over your financial affairs and matters concerning your own health and welfare. The LPA once registered, can also be used immediately, if you would prefer for your attorney to deal with certain matters on your behalf straight away.

Paladin Law

Experts in Community Care Legislation

Offering tailored, individual legal solutions in the areas of: n n n n n n n n

Community Care Law Mental Capacity Lasting Powers of Attorney Mental Health Court of Protection Deputyships Human Rights & Judicial Review Wills & Estate Planning

12 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, Devon paladinlaw.co.uk

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Call us to talk to a member of our experienced team:

ď‚• 01822 610123 67

HISTORY

Our Lady of the Assumption and St Mary Magdalen Built by William, eighth Duke of Bedford as a Chapel of Ease, it is now preserved for the future with help from recent parish fund raising and grants.

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Mary Magdalen is a thriving place of worship in the Catholic Parish of Tavistock with a congregation of about 110 adults and children attending Mass each Sunday. However it was originally built by William, eighth Duke of Bedford as a Chapel of Ease for St Eustachius, the Parish Church of Tavistock, and intended for use by the expanding population of miners who worked in the Great Consoles copper mines during the 19th century. At that time it was known as the Fitzford Church due to its proximity to the Fitz family manor house.

The church was designed by the renowned architect Henry Clutton, and built between 1865-1867 in a style reminiscent of Italian churches, with a tall tower which almost appears detached from the main body of the church. The main entrance is housed in the tower, although there is another much grander entrance on the opposite side which would have been reserved solely for use by the Dukes of Bedford. Local building materials were used in the construction such as the Hurdwick ashlar used for many of the public buildings in the centre of Tavistock.

Prior to the dissolution of the monasteries in the time of Henry

Vlll, Tavistock was the site of a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 10th century and dedicated to Our Lady and St Rumon.

In the Middle Ages Tavistock also had a leper hospital with a chapel, dedicated to St Mary Magdalen and St Theobald, which became known as the ‘Maudlin Chapel’. The chapel was situated on the west side of Tavistock, slightly to the north east of the current Catholic Church, hence the current name of ‘Our Lady of the Assumption and St Mary Magdalen’ and also the nearby street ‘Maudlins Lane’.

As copper production declined in the mines towards the end of the nineteenth century, so did the population on the western side of Tavistock, rendering a second Anglican church unnecessary. In the early 1900s the Duke of Bedford transferred ownership of his Tavistock buildings to the Town Council and the church became the property of the Parish. The church closed in 1918 but was then reopened in 1936 when the land around the church was sold to fund essential repairs.

It closed again in 1947.

Since the reformation there had not been an official Catholic church in Tavistock, although parishioners used a chapel at Mount Tavy from 1906 to 1922, and then after the Carmelite nuns came to Tavistock they were able to use the small Convent Chapel. The number of Catholic parishioners steadily increased and so when the parish priest of Tavistock, Father Michael McSweeny, heard that the church in Callington Road was to be sold he set proceedings in motion for the church to become the property of the Catholic Diocese of Plymouth in 1951, when it was also given Grade II* Listing by English Heritage.

SOUTH WEST WILLS & PROBATE • Will writing tailored to your needs • Home visits • Will storage • Lasting Power of Attorney • Living Wills Contact Robert Cumming 01822 860281 / 07958 669541 swwillsandprobate@btinternet.com Robert Cumming is a Member of the Society of Will Writers

www.willwriters.com

68

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

The church has a number of interesting features including three stained glass windows erected in the memory of Sarah Ann Trist in 1912 which depict the Annunciation, the Nativity and Christ welcoming the faithful into His kingdom. The Crucifix on the east wall of the Sanctuary was donated by the Bridgetinnes of South Brent. It is believed it was carved in Portugal post 1594 when the nuns moved there following the Reformation, and was then brought back to England when they returned in 1861. There is also an altar which was commissioned in memory of fallen comrades by a group of Polish servicemen stationed in Yelverton during WWII. They worshipped at St Joseph’s Chapel in Gunnislake and when the church closed, the altar was transferred to Tavistock. A more recent addition is the display of Santo Nino procession banners used by the local Filipino community for its January fiesta.

After the first closure of the Chapel of Ease in 1917 very little money was spent on maintaining the church building until the 1990s when the congregation had a new heating system installed and a major part of the church re-roofed. Since then the collapsed Victorian drains have had to be replaced and alterations to provide disabled access and fit internal glass doors have been completed. The parish has raised thousands of pounds to maintain and improve the church building and grants have also been received from English Heritage, Garfield Weston Foundation

Celebrate Springtime with a visit to Dartmoor

How to do Family History Research

and Devon Historic Churches. As a consequence this historic church building has been preserved for posterity while also providing a beautiful and functional place of worship for its active congregation which celebrated the church’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

From Easter the church will be open to visitors every Saturday from 10:45 am to 3:30 pm. Services are held on Sundays and at various times during the week for more details please visit the parish website: www.ourladytavistock.org.uk Rosemary Best

Booking essential at www.torroyal.co.uk or 01822 890189

Traditional Clotted Cream Teas and Elegant High Teas Licenced for Weddings – available for private functions

Princetown Yelverton Devon PL20 6SL

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

In this column we will be bringing you ideas and tips on how to go about researching your ancestors. Each month there will be a theme. To start off, we look at a common question: just where do you start?

The best place to begin is to gather all the information you already have. Do you have any old photos of grandparents or great-grandparents?

Or great-aunts and uncles? What about old letters or diaries or journals? Or the family bible? These can be a mine of information if you look through them carefully. They may tell you where an ancestor lived, or what they did for a living, or give you a birth or death date. They may give you the names of the ancestor’s parents, or brothers and sisters.

All this information will be invaluable when you come to start looking up your ancestors in the records. And there are bound to be family stories which you can collect and write down - but beware, family stories have a way of turning out to be semi-mythical, and need to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Once you have gathered all the information you have, then it will be time to turn to the records. Devon County Council has a website on Family History which will give you an idea of the kinds of records which are available: www.devon.gov.uk/index/ councildemocracy/record_office/ family_history_3.htm Susan Francia is a genealogist and family history researcher.

FAMILY HISTORY HISTORY FAMILY

RESEARCH SERVICES For an interesting and unusual Christmas present order Trained historian and aprofessional Family History report. genealogist provides family trees, Texts are tailor made to your information on your ancestors, requirements, and can house and help be histories illustrated with oldwith your own research. maps and photos!

Request a free information leaflet.

Try Free a free initial consultation! initial consultation. fhistoryresearch@gmail.com www.family-historyresearch.co.uk 01822 841811

69

HISTORY

Regarding ‘Pork Hill and Pew Tor’ A great deal of granite cutting took place here in years past, particularly in the nineteenth century, for developments in Tavistock and other towns. Around the tor’s summit nine marks can be seen, consisting of a cross within a circle roughly 9 inches in diameter. The taking of granite was authorised under licence from the Duchy of Cornwall and the marks were cut in 1847 to define a protective limit within which none was to be removed.

As the nineteenth century advanced some people were expressing concern at the quantity of granite being taken from the tor’s immediate slopes, to the detriment of its appearance, and so, in 1896, the protective limit was widened, defined by four rather different marks comprising a slightly smaller circle and cross, with 5 holes made by a ‘jumper’ at the crosses’ points and centre. These were recorded on a Duchy map, and those on the north-west, south-west, and south-east corners of the area have been located, but not one on the HARPER WILLIAMS north-east, despite PART OF CHARLES DERBY much searching.

However, the Review your policies, north-west rock review your plans, review your payments and have a bears two such Financial Health Check Up marks on different faces. (I often Contact Leanne Elliott wonder if perhaps to arrange your review the stone-cutter 0800 246 5836 sent out to make leanne@harperwilliams.co.uk the marks had With customers returning to our specialists some cider with his year after year for over 15 years, that’s a recommendation you can bank on! midday snack and 70

afterwards dozed off’, then forgot to move on before cutting the last one).

Much surface granite was also worked on the north side of the Princetown road, on the southern and eastern slopes of Staple Tors. In this area, among the clitter, are a number of settmakers’ bankers, as they were called, – small primitive benches formed into the hillside by the placing of two upright pieces of granite about 1 foot 6 inches apart, and another slab across the top, approximately a foot above ground level. Here the men crouched, cutting small granite setts from larger blocks Several of the bankers are found in small groups, often surrounded by a scatter of granite chips. In this exposed situation weather can be harsh, and sometimes small shelters of galvanised iron were erected for protection. The industry was particularly busy

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

Reading the article ‘Pork Hill to Pew Tor’, published in the Feb/March edition of Moor and Tavy Links I wondered if your readers had observed any of the marks incised into the granite at certain points around Pew Tor, and if so, if they were aware of their significance? here in the 1870s, before Merrivale Quarry was opened. The setts produced were taken away in wagons for paving roads, in Tavistock, in Plymouth and in London.

I have written about the sett-makers’ bankers in my Industrial Archaeology of Dartmoor (first edition 1968, published by David & Charles). After further research I dealt with the subject more extensively, and included details of the Pew Tor activities and marks, in my paper: Nineteenth Century Granite Working on Pew Tor and Staple Tor,Western Dartmoor’ presented to the Devonshire Association in 1981, and published in the Transactions of the Devonshire Association 113. 1981. The full range of these Transactions is accessible in the Tavistock Library, and elsewhere. In more recent years some further examples of sett-makers’ bankers have been located in other parts of the moor and described by other writers..

Helen Harris

nd doors

ENHANCE THE BEAUTY & WARMTH OF YOUR HOME WITH OUR TIMBER, PVC AND ALUMINIUM WINDOWS & DOORS

Whether your home is a country cottage, a townhouse, a modern semi or a converted barn, we have a range of traditional and contemporary windows and doors that will compliment it perfectly. A vast range of products are available to view in our Tavistock showroom and will also be on show in our dedicated timber showroom at Unit 1 Prideaux Close, Saltash.

rchard

For further information please telephone:

01822 614277 info@orchard-windows.com

FENSA

Registered No. 36058

Visit our showroom at of PVC-U or aluminium Unit 1F Westbridge Industrial Est • Fascia, soffits and claddings Tavistock PL19 8DE

Local Reliable Service Call Us Today

REALISE YOUR DREAM

01837 55700

- Heating Oil and Tractor Diesel - Oil Tank Cleaning - AGA/Boiler Servicing - Lubricants - Coal - Oil Tank Replacement and Installation Moorlands House, North Rd. Okehampton EX20 1BQ

www.moorlandfuels.co.uk

R Mears & Sons

Chimney Sweeps & Stove Installation Established over 30 years Vac Brush. Full CCTV investigations.

Pots, Cowlings & Bird Protection fitted. Chimneys Lined.

Solid Fuel Appliances, Rayburns, Woodburners, Stoves, etc serviced. Fully Insured.

Tel: 01840 261221 Tavistock: 01822 664554 Mob: 07737 533392

www.sweepdevon.com

Tavistock Kitchens Home visits Design Team Supply & Install Refurbish Worktops Solid Wood, Granite, Slate, Quartz and Marble

01822 617776 07979 050937

tavistockkitchens.com Suppliers of Quality Kitchens since 2005

y ing to paastic h t o n h it t n yw Buy todanths and then a feantative for 6 mo .9% APR Repres rate o f 5 Call 0800 083 7777 or Visit www.launa.co.uk Credit is subject to application and status. Terms and conditions apply. Launa Windows Limited act as a credit broker and not a lender. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. AGS Home Improvements Devon Ltd of Teign Foundry, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4PB (company number 8506501) act as a credit broker and not the lender, and only offers credit products from Hitachi Capital Consumer. Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in Cardiff no. 1630491. Registered office: Hitachi Capital House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP

Tim Dixon Domestic Plumbing & Home Improvements

01566 784028 07903535881 careful & reliable service

www.timdixonplumbing.co.uk

Bring something exceptional to your home with our vast selection of carpet and flooring.

Call today to see how we can help you

01822 614 537

THIS BOX COSTS £60 WHY NOT ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE TO 1000s OF POTENTIAL NEW CUSTOMERS TIM@TAVYLINKS.CO.UK

West Devon Business Park Tavistock Pl19 9DP

T. 01822 615627

tavistockcarpets.co.uk

TAVISTOCK GARAGE DOORS Repairs & Servicing • New Installations Remote Electric Operators for New or Existing Doors Roller Shutters for Windows & Doors Remote Electric Gates

Image © Cormar

specialists near Morrisons, Tavistock, or call to discuss how we can help you; 01822 614 537, or visit our website; tavistockcarpets.co.uk

Covering North Devon, West Devon & East Cornwall

Call: 01822 612826

www.tavistockgaragedoors.co.uk

SUPPLY AND FITTING OF A RANGE OF GARAGE DOORS, AWNINGS, AND ELECTRIC GATES

Call in and see us for all your motoring needs & Rubbish Removal

MOT•SERVICING•SHOP

CARRS GARAGE

01822 616747

Collacombe Down, Lamerton, Tavistock PL19 8SD

www.carrsgarage.weebly.com rob@carrsgarage.eclipse.co.uk

LOCAL • LEGAL • RELIABLE We are Environment Agency registered and fully insured to remove rubbish from businesses, plus house, garage and shed clearances.

We buy and sell furniture.

Give us a call to see how we can help solve all your rubbish problems.

01822 810620/07855 339663 dandhouseclearances@gmail.com

STEVE JONAS & SON

AERIALS . SKY & FREESAT. INSTALLS . TV SALES .

RENTALS . REPAIRS .

Phone: 07725 553 084 01822 854386

Email: enquiries@yeltv.co.uk Over 20 years of experience.

Your local, independent SKY expert

GENERAL BUILDER & RESTORATION

QUALITY WORK AT AFFORDABLE PRICES FREE INITIAL ESTIMATE HOURLY RATES ON REQUEST

07973 501905 01822 617060

Visit yeltv.co.uk to ‘GET A CLEARER PICTURE.’

DUSTY BIN

DAMP PROOFING AND STONE BUILT SPECIALIST

30 YEARS

SKIP HIRE

Join Dusty Bin in celebrating 30 years trading in the waste industry

All skip sizes available on 01752 691169

SKIP HIRE • DUMPY BAGS • KINDLING • CRUSHED STONE • TOPSOIL

ME CONSTRUCTION stone . brick . blockwork

Reduce Chemicals and Clean ‘Green’ in your Home Our effective ‘green’ cleaning products will save you time and money and contribute to a better environment.

GROUND WORKS NEW BUILDS RENOVATIONS

You can meet 1:1 or host a party, request a catalogue or visit www.janemoses.norwex.co.uk Please feel free to ask Jane about the business opportunity if you want to be part-time, full-time, or big-time!

Contact Mike for more information

Call Jane, Independent Sales Consultant on 07855 467707 or email naturallycleaning@outlook.com

M. 07865 278 213 T. 01822 481 499

THIS BOX COSTS £60 WHY NOT ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE TO 1000s OF POTENTIAL NEW CUSTOMERS TIM@TAVYLINKS.CO.UK

T. 01822 615627

Turn your home into a SMART home with a

ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES • DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, EXTENSIONS AND ALTERATIONS • AGRICULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL INSTALLATIONS AND REPAIRS • INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS, PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS AND FAULT FINDING • MECHANICAL REPAIRS AND PLANNED MAINTENANCE • HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEMS • HD CCTV SYSTEMS SERVING WEST DEVON AND DARTMOOR

01822 859395 • 07851 711338

info@griffinelectric.co.uk • www.griffinelectric.co.uk

Home Automation System.

www.airband.co Working in partnership with Airband to roll out high speed wireless broadband across Dartmoor National Park.

“Doing business without advertising is like winking at someone in the dark. You know what you are doing but nobody else does.”

To find out how we can help you grow your business in 2016 call Jane, Kate or Tim on

Steuart Henderson Britt

01822 615627

WHY ADVERTISE IN TAVY LINKS AND MOOR LINKS?

From as little as £60 tell our readers what you do and increase all aspects of your business.

Advertising in Tavy Links and Moor links magazines, ensures you are seen in 15,000 homes and businesses. The magazines are delivered by the Royal Mail achieving a guaranteed delivery to homes and businesses.

The magazines cover all PL19 and PL20 postcodes, from Postbridge in the East to Bere Alston in the west, to Milton Abbot in the North and Clearbrook in the South and reach more than 34,500 people*.

We can provide you with an advert that will be seen. Our highly skilled creative team will design your advertisement to ensure that your business is properly presented.

Your advert will be seen multiple times. All our editorial is about local people, communities and events, and our magazines are well known for being kept in the household for a long time.

We have different advertising sizes to suit your budget, starting from as little as £60 You can choose to go in both magazines or just one. *based on 2011 ONS average UK household size of 2.3

An Everhot Range will transform your kitchen into the heart of your home

01822 614206

Unit 6 Crelake Industrial Estate,Tavistock

www.thedartmoorstovecompany.co.uk

A CASE for Quality and Craftmanship

Jonathan Case Builders & Contractors

01822 855076 / 07971 522301 jane@jcasebuilders.co.uk

www.jcasebuilders.co.uk

PLUMBING

ADVICE, DESIGN & BUILD, EXTENSIONS AND NEW BUILDS BARN & LOFT CONVERSIONS, REFURBSHMENTS & RENOVATIONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS, ROOFING, MINOR WORKS, DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS

HEATING

BATHROOMS

All aspects of heating and plumbing from a dripping tap to full installations of heating systems, wet rooms, solar and underfloor heating.

Great links with local bathroom suppliers • 1 Year Guarantee on all workmanship

Tavistock 01822 610222 • Plymouth 01752 869074 The Store, Taylor Square, Tavistock PL19 0DG info@chamings.plumbing

www.chamings.plumbing

BUCKLAND COMPUTERS COMPUTER REPAIRS, SALES AND SERVICES VIRUS / SPYWARE PROTECTION & REMOVAL HOME & OFFICE NETWORK SUPPORT WEB HOSTING & DESIGN BROADBAND SETUP & COMPUTER, LAPTOP PROBLEM SOLVING & PRINTER REPAIRS www.bucklandcomputers.co.uk sales@bucklandcomputers.co.uk

Tel: 01822 855336 Tel: 01822 855796

WE DON’T JUST PUBLISH MAGAZINES!

We are very well known for our magazines - Tavy Links and Moor Links, but we also provide additional marketing support services to many local businesses.

• Magazines • Brochures • Leaflets • Business Logo/Branding • Business Cards • Design for Social Media Sites We can provide you with full design, copywriting and print services ensuring you get the right message to your target audience.

Best of all - we can do all of this at affordable prices that won’t break your piggy bank!

design&print WE’D LIKE TO HELP…

Contact Lizzie or Tim for more information 01822 853110 www.olijam.co.uk lizzie@olijam.co.uk

Thinking about Laminate, Engineered, Wood or LVT Flooring?

he T h ut So t es W ’s ly on

M U IN R T LE A A PL DE

Then why not visit the areas Largest Flooring Showroom with over 400 floors available and a huge range of matching accessories.You’ll get the right advice on which flooring is best for you with floors to suit every taste and budget.

Our own in-house team can provide a professional fitting service if required.

For enquiries & Opening times call: 01752 774411

www.pblaminate-flooring.co.uk

Large Showroom At Estover Close, Estover, Pymouth PL6 7PL (Near Wrigleys)

TRADE SECRETS

TRADE SECRETS Sarah Gleadall – Communications and PR Consultant

I met Sarah at the newly formed Women’s Networking Group at the Tavistock Enterprise Hub. She has very quickly established herself as a generous font of knowledge, experience and insight.

A fairly recent convert to the freelancing world, Sarah has moved to the South West after years of living and working in London and the South East. She specialises in the not for profit sector (charities and social enterprises).

Why did you become a freelance communications and PR consultant?

I love working for organisations committed to people and communities. Having worked in communications and PR in the non profit sector for twenty years, I realised that I had transferrable skills that could definitely be applied to organisations in the South West.

Where do you work?

I work from home but cover Devon and the South West, with some clients nationally and even internationally.

How much training is involved and what qualifications to you need?

Writing skills are essential, and a strategic mind set is definitely an asset. I think you can either learn by the qualification route, or through experience. Communications and PR are a skill, a discipline in their own right and it’s very easy to get it wrong.

Organisations, even small ones, are increasingly realising that communications sits at the heart of their success – so it’s also a big responsibility to get it right on their behalf.

How long have you been in this kind of role?

I started out as a sales and marketing assistant for a small publisher, then I moved on to a role at Centrepoint (youth homelessness charity) where things really came alive for me.

Marketing for an organisation that directly benefits the lives of vulnerable people makes it all meaningful. While I was there, I learned the art of how to tell the story to galvanise support - I loved helping to tell our young peoples’ stories to people who wanted to help them, including celebrities and very powerful individuals. After a stint with a youth organisation in Australia, I came back to London and worked with the Local Authority in Southwark. It was in the period when Damilola Taylor was tragically murdered. We were trying to turn the Aylesbury Estate around and it was very hard work, but fascinating. From there I went on to work with the British Red Cross, where I Iead emergency response communications including during the 7/7 London bombings. Most recently I was head of Communications at Plymouth Community Homes, and it was a privilege to help this 78

new organisation make such a difference for the city.

Who else works with you?

I collaborate with Giuseppe Baggiani, a colleague and local consultant on digital marketing elements of projects - Insight Communications.

How does you day usually unfold?

There is no such thing as a typical day!

What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career?

Make every effort to understand what organisations are about, where you want to be and don’t see PR as a bubble. Get your fundamental skills, but always think about where you want to apply them and what kind of organisation you want to work for.

What is the best thing about your job?

Seeing that you’re making a difference for the people you’ve worked with. Understanding the vision and needs of an organisation and helping them achieve it.

What is the best thing about working here on the edge of Dartmoor?

It’s a much more diverse community than some might expect, but what binds everybody together is a real sense of community.

When you put that sense of community against the stunning backdrop of Dartmoor, it’s hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere else!

What do you think of the Women’s Networking Group?

It breaks the mould of traditional networks and appeals because it’s made up of real women who aren’t afraid to tell the real story. We’re all from very different businesses, interests and experiences, but I see it as a really creative and inspiring hub of professional energy that people might not always know is there. We’re women who are serious about progressing our own businesses and opportunities for Tavistock.

To join the Tavistock Area Women’s Networking Group contact Rhiannon via www.tavistockenterprisehub.co.uk

Design, Print & Copywriting services - call us to discuss your next project 01822 853110

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

A Dartmoor Spring in Your Step OUR BEDS LOVINGLY MADE ON THE EDGE OF DARTMOOR

for lovers of Dartmoor and lovers of sleep

With all-natural fillings including wool from our partner hill-top farm just five miles from Dartmoor’s northern edge, our hand-crafted pocket-sprung mattresses are complemented by a range of beautiful divan-bases, headboards and accessories in an extensive and inspiring choice of contemporary or traditional styles and fabrics.

Buying one of these finest quality beds will support local craftspeople working together all around Dartmoor and, of course, the local economy.

1-2 Moorside Court Yelverton Business Park PL20 7PE

01822 853636

www.britishbedsworldwide.com

Call NOW to arrange your VIP showroom experience and enjoy our FABULOUS SPRING OFFER: a FREE Summer Duvet or unique Dartmoor topper with selected Dartmoor brand purchases.

Hotels, Guest Houses and Hotel Groups: do please ask about our contract models for your most discerning guests and our Partner Hotel Scheme.

Brigid Foley, 8 Paddons Row, Tavistock 01822 612203

Y

Come visit or buy online at www.brigidfoley.co.uk

unique collection

BRIGIDFOLEY Latest James Lakeland in stock