Tavy Links December/January 2020/21 issue by Links Magazines

Dec/Jan 2020 | Issue 45

CELEBRATING LOCAL LITERARY TALENT

COM

ITY

BUS I NESS

Trish Dugmore’s first novel

BUY LOCAL & SAVE JOBS

Sarah Kember’s pandemic poetry

In this issue:

TAVISTOCK HERITAGE TRUST UNVEILS NATIONAL SCHOOLS PROGRAMME Plus

WHEN DID TREES BECOME PART OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES?

Wild swimming, a new Sherlock Holmes mystery, and a charming children’s book

SOUND WAVES SOUTH WEST & THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF MUSIC

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GARDENING

Making more of your winter garden

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Are you getting enough vitamin D?

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HISTORY

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What a year!

The deadline date for any inclusions in the February/ March issue of Tavy Links will be 8th January 2021. For all editorial enquiries please contact Rosemary via email: rosemary.best@ linksmagazines.co.uk

THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Rosemary Best Writers: Nichola Williams, Kaye Rogers Design: Sara Venner, Julian Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard

At the time of going to print we had recently entered the second lockdown, in the hope that by the time the magazines go out to homes, a relaxation of restrictions will be in sight before Christmas. There is no doubting that Christmas will be different this year, but it seems to me that West Devon residents have really risen to the challenges so far - adapting lives to cope with the first lockdown, then achieving a resumption of ‘normality’ while still keeping infection rates low – and they will continue to do so. In this issue we hear from a number of inspiring local authors who have been busy creating books and poetry either about recent events or to take our minds off them! It has been a tough time for many businesses and they will need our support more than ever following the second lockdown. However some businesses have taken a leap of faith in response to the fluctuating situation, and we hear from two local businesses who have done just that. Our education and history sections tell how Tavistock Heritage Trust has been busy behind the scenes working on a number of exciting initiatives including a national heritage programme for schools. West Dartmoor U3A is thriving thanks to its stalwart members - and a little help from Zoom; while BID has come to the rescue of this year’s Tavistock Christmas Tree Festival, helping St Eustachius’ to turn it into a full town experience. Wishing you a safe, but very happy Christmas!

Front cover image: Two Trees, design & photography by Amanda Randell Cox, flowersetal.co.uk

Contents 5 Feature

33 Education

8 Local People

35 What’s On

12 Local Authors

42 Music & Art

15 Health & Wellbeing

45 Business

18 Gardening

49 Food & Drink

23 Naturalist 24 Charity 26 Law 27 Community News

5 23

47 Book Review

50 History 52 Outdoors & Active 54 Tech Help 58 Directory

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PLYM LINKS The Dewerstone Learn more about our festive feathered friend

November/December 2020 | Issue 22

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Robin Redbreast

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Climbing, Nature & the Devil

December 2020/January 2021 | Issue 7

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42 BUS I NESS

22 Farming News

Rosemary Best

Editor

Tim: 07450 161 929 Jane: 07772 619 808

JOBS

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING & MARKETS

Devon’s War Girls MED Theatre’s touring performance

The lost village of

Hallsands

Poetry, Pandemic and the Professor

GARDENING Winter jobs and Christmas gift ideas

FOOD & DRINK Rhubarb & Custard Cake

MEET the locals

• A passionate sportsman from Derriford • A priest from Lee Moor

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Church improvement Change afoot at All Saints

Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to Olijam Communications Ltd the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by such material. The opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. All content is fully covered by copyright laws and reproduction in part or whole is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

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Meet the locals

Phenomenal support to communities

A Moretonhampstead shroud maker A Dartmoor gilder

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HISTORY

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Freehand

Hands-on learning in arts and crafts

Finding Bert Stead

GARDENING Time for a change?

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HEALTH

Spotlight on the thyroid

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FEATURE

Is it time to put the tree up yet? The humble Christmas tree has become one of the mainstays of preparations for the festive season. Choosing a tree of the right height and girth – not too thin, not too wide, but with an appropriately proportioned triangularity and a suitable arrangement of branches – can be a delightful, much-anticipated, family outing that everybody in your household looks forward to embracing as part of the Christmas routine. However if you find your Christmas ‘to do’ list only seems to be increasing amidst an ever-dwindling amount of free time, then tree purchasing can become an onerous but essential chore, clouded by anxiety that all the trees with the best vital statistics will already have been snapped up as a result of your purchasing negligence - or even the unthinkable, that there won’t be any trees left at all which is nearly on a par with forgetting to buy the turkey. For some people the subsequent decoration is a traditional pleasure as you unearth treasured ornaments, reviving fond memories of previous years. Or maybe it’s a struggle even to locate the decorations

– you know you put them in a safe and logical place last year but just can’t remember where that might have been. However, when you stand back and survey the finished product in all its bedecked glory, and switch on the lights for the first time, it never ceases to enthral – unless of course there is that one rogue bulb that refuses to cooperate. So what made us start bringing parts of the forest landscape into our homes? The ancient Egyptians, the Romans, the Celts and the Vikings all used greenery of some description to decorate their dwellings and places of worship for special occasions. While later on, pagans in northern Europe marked the winter solstice with a celebration known as Yule, when it was customary for a very large log to be brought into the house and gradually burnt over several days. A popular theory is that the Christmas tree evolved from the ‘paradise tree’ which was a key element of mystery plays performed outside in the Middle Ages on Christmas Eve to celebrate Adam and Eve, by enacting the creation story - the paradise tree was

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FEATURE

hung with fruit, portraying the Garden of Eden. Generally, it is thought that the custom of Christmas trees started in Germanic and Slavic countries, when in the 16th century some Christians started to bring evergreen trees into their homes at Christmas time, hanging fruit and other items on them as decorations. Over the centuries the Christmas tree tradition became more and more widespread in this area. Martin Luther, the 16thcentury religious reformer, is often credited with adding candles to decorate the Christmas tree: supposedly he was walking in a pine forest near his home in Wittenberg when he was struck by the beauty of the stars shining among the trees, inspiring him to set up a conifer tree in his house, wire candles to the branches and light them to symbolize the stars of heaven for his family. King George III came to the British throne in 1760 and the following year married Sophia Charlotte of MecklenburgStrelitz, which was a small northern German duchy. Princess Charlotte was an educated, seventeen-year-old woman interested in music and also botany. She had grown up with the tradition of decorating a yew branch at Christmas and she initiated the custom in England, encouraging her ladies-in-waiting to decorate a bough at Kew Gardens and

Windsor Castle, and then gathering the whole court around it to sing carols and exchange presents. In December 1800 she introduced the idea of a whole tree as a magnificent centrepiece for a royal Christmas party at Queen’s Lodge, Windsor, celebrating the first year of the new century. The British aristocracy raced to copy the idea and by Charlotte’s death in 1818 the tradition was widely established in society, continuing through the 1820s and 30s. Consequently Queen Victoria grew up with the tradition of decorating a tree at Christmas, but when she married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840 he took it to a new level, getting involved personally and taking on responsibility for decorating the trees at Windsor Castle with candles and sweets. In December 1840, he imported several spruce firs from his native Coburg (present day Bavaria) - before this, all sorts of trees had been dug up and brought inside. Images of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family gathered round the Christmas tree were published in the Illustrated London News in 1848. Subsequently other publications started including details about the royal Christmas trees, and the idea caught on with the general public, so that by 1860 the tradition had become so popular that most well-off families would have a Christmas tree. Nowadays the Christmas tree is an essential ingredient and can be found in nearly every imaginable setting from homes to schools, offices and all manner of venues. It is estimated

Bride next to tree, Hotel Endsleigh: design by Amanda Randell Cox; Freckle Photography

The royal Christmas tree is admired by Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children, December 1848

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FEATURE

that between 6 and 8 million real trees are sold in the UK at Christmas. Tree farms have become a business in their own right and customers can now be presented with several types of conifer to choose from, including Norway spruce, Fraser fir, blue spruce, noble fir and lodgepole pine, but the most popular by far is still the Nordman fir. In recent years, Christmas tree festivals have become increasingly popular, both with the community groups who create them and the general public who come to see the ingenious ways the trees have been decorated. They are also an excellent way of raising money for charity while spreading Christmas cheer. The usual tree festivals in St Eustachius’ and other local village churches have unfortunately had to be cancelled this year due to the pandemic. However if lockdown restrictions are lifted you can still enjoy the Alternative Tavistock Christmas Tree Festival, as St Eustachius’ and the BID have worked together to bring it into the town this year (see What’s On for details). While in Plymouth you can help to raise money for the NHS, subject to covid restrictions, by making a donation to hang a bauble with a Christmas message on a Wishing Tree. Rosemary Best

Every year a huge Christmas tree is lit in Trafalgar Square; the city of Oslo has given a spruce tree to the people of London every Christmas since 1947 as a token of Norwegian gratitude for Britain’s support during the war years of 1940–1945. A typical 6 to 7-feet high Christmas tree takes between 10 and 12 years to reach this height but also has the benefit of naturally absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. Manufactured Christmas tree ornaments were first sold by Woolworths in 1880. The first use of the term ‘Christmas tree’ in English was in 1835.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Why Poetry? Dartmoor inspires a pandemic project As a sixth-former at Southway Comprehensive School, I already knew that English, specifically poetry, was my thing. I had a good English teacher, Mr Wilkins, who introduced me to Yeats and Eliot, Thom Gunn and Ted Hughes, while working through a copy of George MacBeth’s Poetry 19001965. I still have this (oops) covered in annotations, written in indecipherably small handwriting. It remains one of the most important books on my shelf. In an eclectic mix of English, biology and geography A-level, it was biology I worked hardest at, and struggled with the most. One day, during a lab class close to my mocks, I walked out, leaving everything but my packed lunch and made my way, by foot, onto the moors. I went past Dousland, where my nan lived, onto Yennadon Down. I gave my lunch to a pony and sat looking at the reservoir, and soaking my senses in the colours, smells and unique feel of this much-loved place. My relationship with Dartmoor is not only contemplative; I played there as a child, tobogganing in winter, picnicking in summer. I did Ten Tors twice and my friends and family still groan when I tell my tale of burst blisters, bloodied boots and heroism. When I was at Oxford, studying English, I would regularly jump into my Ford Anglia and drive (55 mph max, with a following wind) down to Plymouth so that I could visit my mum, my nan and the moors, probably not in that order. I live in Brighton now, and the South Downs, however lovely, are no match for the moors. I was there in February, standing on top of Sheepstor, leaning in to a wind that cleared the sky and nearly swept my feet. I have always enjoyed the rough and tumble physicality of being on Dartmoor. Its rough edge can seem familial, but is not to be underestimated. In March, at the start of lockdown, I went for a walk with my partner in a neighbourhood that was eerily quiet. Nobody had even started to think through life and living in a global pandemic. We were still in shock, culturally and individually: calm on the outside perhaps, but fearful, inevitably. We passed a local school and were drawn to the fence where the children had posted drawings and messages of support to their community. It was a bright, colourful and heartening display that I felt compelled to respond to. In September, I came down to Dartmoor with a new purpose. As a writer, as well as academic and publisher (I work at Goldsmiths, University of London), I’ve been engaged in a project to get poems into public places. The main rationale for this is that 8

I believe poems are a public good. We need them now, more than ever. They distil, and help us process experience in a way that is important because it connects our inner worlds with the world around us. It’s pretty obvious that right now, we have a lot of processing to do and ‘we’ includes teachers, parents and children. ‘When You Go Back’ is my response to the children of Lancing Prep and is illustrated in order to enhance its appeal and accessibility. It is dedicated to my young nieces and is being used in schools all over the country to talk about poetry, the pandemic and, I hope, the important role of children and young people in our immediate future. I must admit that at the start of the crisis I wanted to help in more obvious ways. I signed up as an NHS volunteer and for first-aid training with the Red Cross and St John Ambulance. I’m not a keyworker and I felt relatively useless until someone reminded me of what I already knew: poetry and the arts in general can have a huge impact on people’s lives. They not only deal with the past and present, but also help us imagine a better future. I made space for this in my poem and look forward to school workshops where I’ll be encouraging children to write their own. Poetry captures time and place in different ways, and can combine locality, physicality, spirituality, and even transcendence. I knew my Dartmoor poem needed to do all of that. It was daunting. Most importantly, I had to do justice to my own, longstanding relationship with Dartmoor, which as I’ve suggested, is something almost familial, ancestral. I started with that. The photograph is my own which I took on one of my trips down from university. Prof. Sarah Kember

When You Go Back is available, free of charge, as a poster or printable PDF. Dartmoor is available as a postcard. Please get in touch if you would like a copy at s.kember@gold.ac.uk or go to sarah-kember.com/poetry.html

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Dartmoor Granite-bodied ancestor flesh turned peat and lichenspotted skin dotted with mossy damask regrowth eccentric outcrop of gorse brow reed hair grass tuft Here and there fluid leaks from your circulatory system brackish oedema You have been standing for so long to embrace all offspring not just your own There is no question of gender generosity the harshness of your love for each lone harrier, skylark, crow Greyface, Whiteface, Blackface I have been coming for so long to scramble up lean against you sit beside bent trees scarred sentinels of souls that seek you senses fill you spirits implore you in your majesty of mottled brown-backed marshland woodland moorland turned golden by a windswept, ageing sun Stay standing for as long as our time takes

LOCAL PEOPLE

Destined to write I was raised halfway up a mountain in North Wales. As I grew up, I spent much of my time wandering over the countryside amongst the bracken and the gorse either on foot or on my pony. My head was always full of stories from my imagination and many years later I visited a clairvoyant who told me that I would write a book. Decades passed - I taught skiing, delivered boats, arranged flowers, married, had children, lived in the Outer Hebrides where I helped start a crab factory, moved to Devon and farmed. Life was never dull, but always the thought of the book lingered in my mind. It was when we were in Devon that the foot and mouth epidemic overwhelmed this farming parish. We watched the

disease follow the contours down towards us. We listened to every news bulletin. I had to make a quick trip to London and was amazed that there I might have been in a different universe - nobody was talking of foot and mouth - it did not touch them. I returned determined to write about it, and that is how it all started. I wrote as it was happening - the pyres, the burning carcasses and the dreadful smell of putrid flesh, the lorries rattling along the roads loaded with railway sleepers to light the fires and amongst them the other trucks with slaughtered cattle and sheep oozing excrement and blood from the tailgates. Then I went back further into time and then further still. I must have written five novels – four were discarded but I persisted. I moved on from the foot and mouth outbreak to the aftermath and how it affected so many. It is not

the standard way to write a novel, but it was my way and I was determined. It has taken so long and what I have done is my very best. Sometimes it seemed that I had a magic pen with a life of

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LOCAL PEOPLE

its own as there was no planning - my pen carried me along with stories I had not thought out. From the year 2000, I joined a writing group and each month we met at each other’s homes up on the moor and beside the Tamar. We called ourselves Writers Ink. The others were all talented women - published poets, playwrights and novelists. We supported each other and grew in respect and fondness. Heads bent to the task we always had something to write. It is from them I had the encouragement to keep going. Now it is done. I know there are some very sad events. I cried as I wrote them, but life is full of sadnesses as well as joys. I found it easy to climb inside my characters - to become them and feel their pain. It is the passage of time when nothing much happens that is so difficult. The front cover was such a joy. I had been given a lovely, oil painting by my Scottish aunt. I realised that if I flipped it, it could look like the Tamar with the Tavy going off to the left. Then there were the characters up on the wagon and their cart horses and for me it all came alive. The final stage - dealing with the very helpful publishers - I found hard, as I had very poor computer skills. It has taken so long, but it is done and I have done my best. Trish Dugmore

Larksong by Trish Dugmore The Tamar Valley, 1919: on a small farm a family tussles with the changes the outside world brings to them. The First World War is over and handsome young William Northwood returns home. He tries to forget the horror of the battlefield as he slips back into farming life – immersing himself in the sights, sounds and smells of his beloved countryside. Another world war begins and shatters the peace and tradition of the parish. A new generation is born and propels the Northwood family on through a tapestry of events – love, death and tragedy are woven lyrically around them, while high overhead the larks sing. The arrival of the foot-and-mouth

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epidemic of 2001 tears the heart out of the local community, while the distant past echoes into the modern day. Will the arrival of Freya Drummond, with her own tragic past, bring new hope to William’s son Tom and the Northwood family? Or will the modern world intrude once more and bring lies, and devastation…? Like the song of the lark ascending over moorland, the easily read chapters of storytelling are uplifted by lines of finely turned description both of the work of men of the field and of nature’s charms in a beautiful landscape with the ever-shifting ambience of the River Tamar. Available from: SilverWood Books, Waterstones, Book Depository, Amazon

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LOCAL AUTHORS

Wild Woman Swimming A Journal of West Country Waters by Lynne Roper, edited by Tanya Shadrick For five years - between surviving breast cancer and dying of a brain tumour in 2016 - paramedic and visionary wild swimmer Lynne Roper undertook daily dips and hair-raising adventures in the seas, rivers and reservoirs of her beloved Dartmoor and the South Devon coast. Born in Devon she was at various times an RAF Officer in the First Gulf War, a member of the Tavistock branch of Dartmoor Rescue Group and a local paramedic, latterly based at Okehampton and living in Mary Tavy. Whether in quiet communion with nature or in the boisterous company of her many wild swimming friends, Lynne lived life to the full – and wrote about it in a way that is Wordsworth one minute, Victoria Wood the next. “New Year, new weather...was delighted to find that the rather frisky water, opaque with mashed weeds like crumbs in milky tea, actually felt warm as toast on my wind-whipped flesh.” Hope Cove, New Year’s Day 2013 Longlisted in 2019 for the UK’s prestigious Wainwright Prize, the book has an extraordinary backstory. Selkie Press founder

Hush Now

Tanya Shadrick met Lynne only once in the month before her death: a former hospice scribe and writer of the outside, Tanya recognised the power of her fellow West Country woman’s writing about the natural world (and the close-knit communities that form when people gather together in our countryside), and committed to editing her work. Half of profits from the sale of the book go each year to St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth, where Lynne was cared for at end-of-life. With an introduction by Lynne’s friend the former BBC presenter and wild swimming author Sophie Pierce, and featuring over 60 locations around Dartmoor and the Devon coast, this is a book to inspire swimmers, walkers and nature lovers alike. Wild Woman Swimming (The Selkie Press), £8.99. Available at www.selkiepress.com, from all online sellers or by order at your local bookseller. News & extracts on Twitter: @ WildWomanSwims

by Michelle Fitzsimmons, illustrated by Marian Gorin ‘It was a black and gloomy night on Habitat Drive. The bright moonlight pierced through the heavy, stormy night air. The wild wind was howling through Treetops House in The Big Oak tree at The Corner. Mrs Tawny was trying to put her naughty night owls to bed…’ Outside Treetops House, the wind blows and the rain falls. It is Kewick and Hoo-Woo’s bedtime, but the twins cannot sleep. Mrs Tawny reads them a bedtime story, brings them some hot chocolate and even snuggles them into their nests. What can the twins be scared of and do they go to sleep?

night in their tree house. Beautifully written by Michelle Fitzsimmons and illustrated by the incredibly talented watercolour artist, Marian Gorin, this book is loved by children and parents alike. Influenced by Beatrix Potter, A. A. Milne and Amy Hest, Michelle Fitzsimmons’s heart-warming stories about woodland families relate to our children’s lives and how they portray their world. She and her four children live in Tavistock, Devon with their dog Tinker, and Patch the rabbit. She finds inspiration for her stories from her own children and the adventures they have, and locals may just find a place name or two borrowed from lovely Dartmoor. Michelle has a BA Hons degree in Film and Media Studies, and is well known for her crazy laugh. Illustrator, Marian Gorin is a gifted artist who loves using ink and watercolour to give a traditional touch in children’s book illustrations. She has an education in art and is influenced by the Golden Age of children’s illustrations, mostly by Beatrix Potter and Sir John Tenniel. She feels happiest when creating woodland scenes and drawing cute animals.

Enter the whimsical world of Habitat Drive to meet wonderful woodland friends. Hush Now is the first story in the Habitat Drive series about a family of Tawny Owls braving a stormy

Aimed at children aged 0-6 years; other stories in the series include Is it Christmas Now? and Hop Along Now (available March 2021). For more details visit michellefitzsimmons.co.uk.

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LOCAL AUTHORS

The Case of the Hissing Shaft by Rex Harpham Inverdaigh House and estate, home to Sir Hugh McFarlane, with its extensive woods, loch and thunderous waterfall, known locally as the Hissing Shaft, present an idyllic setting, but one where repeated attempts, disguised as accidents, are being made upon McFarlane`s life. Finding the local police of limited assistance, Holmes and Watson are soon faced by a ruthless adversary determined to murder their client. They will need all of their courage and skill to avoid the traps set for them as they become the prime target in a tense game of cat and mouse - a game which will culminate in a boat chase across the loch and ultimately death.

Society of Archer-Antiquaries and the study of all archery and related spring-powered projectile devices; he is particularly fascinated by ancient Chinese crossbows and Roman torsion crossbows, as well as enjoying yoga, chi kung and tai chi. This is the longest novel concerning Holmes and Watson at 75,014 words and is published by Breese Books, on sale for £8.99 at breesebooks.com; ISBN 978 1 901091 75 5

Tavistock resident Rex Harpham explains in the preface that this new Sherlock Holmes novel is based on ‘very important papers’ left with his aunt and uncle by a ‘distinguished family friend’. He believes it fulfils a need deep within the human psyche, for the millions of people around the world who are fans of the great detective, to think of Holmes alive and well, solving the seemingly most intractable problems using his vast intellect and physical courage. Rex’s main pleasure is singing. However, readers of his book will not be surprised to discover that his many interests include The

Wisdom of the Wind By Peter Evans The wind it greets me as a friend, Darkness from my mind removes. With velvet gloves it strokes my face, And gently whispers in my ear. Hope alone is not enough, Action’s what’s required. Defy the rain! Splash the puddles! And be a child once more.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Vitamin D deficiency Around 1 in 5 UK residents are vitamin D deficient so it’s something we should all be aware of. Vitamin D is something I talk about a lot with my patients. It is well known for being the ‘bone vitamin’ and is extremely important to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as other bone disorders. It also has a part to play in many other elements of our health with low levels being linked to fatigue, muscle weakness, aching and cramps, ‘bone pain’ and mood changes like depression. Low levels are linked to higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, some cancers and many other conditions. There also seems to be a link with low vitamin D levels and the functioning of our immune system – especially susceptibility to respiratory infections. Since the start of the Covid-19 epidemic there has been research into whether vitamin D supplements are effective as a preventative or a treatment of Covid-19. Although some studies have found a correlation between low levels and severe disease, there is no conclusive evidence that treating with vitamin D has any significant impact. What is interesting is that some of the risk factors for having low vitamin D are also risk factors for more severe Covid-19 infection. These include being older (the skin’s ability to make vitamin D decreases with age), frailty and decreasing time outdoors, darker skin colours, obesity (fat cells trap vitamin D

where it can’t be used by the body) and other health problems like bowel diseases, and liver and kidney disease.

There are two main sources of vitamin D: The first is the sun which makes vitamin D in the skin when we are exposed. It is likely that 20 minutes exposure of a reasonable amount of skin (arms and legs) without sun screen a few times per week is sufficient for most healthy people to top levels up, but this is clearly impossible in Devon in winter! The second is dietary sources. Vitamin D only occurs in a few food items such as oily fish, liver, egg yolks and mushrooms, but there are also some food items that are fortified by adding extra vitamin D. Some patients need to be prescribed regular high dose vitamin D by their GP or specialist. For example, those with gut absorption issues, or significant renal disease or osteoporosis. For everyone else, especially those with risk factors for low vitamin levels such as obesity or lack of exposure to sunlight, we should look at our diet and make sure it includes sources of vitamin D. However, we should also consider whether vitamin D supplements might be a good idea – especially during the winter months when effective sun exposure is minimal. These are

readily available from supermarkets, pharmacies and health food shops. Although we need slightly different amounts of vitamin D at different points in our life, if we are fit and healthy, then aiming for about 400 IU (international units) or 10 micrograms intake/ production every day from diet + any supplements + sunlight is about right. Clearly in winter dietary sources become more important as exposure to sunlight is minimal. In summer all of your needs can be met by appropriate sunlight exposure. If you have other significant health issues, or are taking other medications, I recommend reading a little more about it and if you are still uncertain whether you need to take higher levels of supplements, discuss it with a pharmacist, GP or other appropriate healthcare professional. There is a lot of information online about vitamin D but a really good place to start is the NHS information leaflet www.nhs. uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/ vitamin-d/ or go to the NHS choices website and type ‘vitamin D’ into the search box.

Dr Jo Coldron Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Movement is life Cannon Barn Podiatry and Foot Pain Clinic is an established lower limb clinic based in Lewdown, central to Okehampton, Tavistock and Launceston run by local podiatrist Mr Heath Weymouth BSc (Hons) PgDip MCPod. We specialise in musculoskeletal podiatry, dealing with all aspects of lower limb pain, so whether you are an ordinary patient or an olympic athlete, we can successfully treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, mortons neuroma, metatarsalgia, shin splints, osteoarthritis and general foot and knee pain amongst many others. We also treat similar conditions affecting the hands. As well as foot pain we deal with mechanical pain that can be attributable to foot posture or limb length differences, such as knee, hip or lower back pain. We are able to measure any postural

Advanced LOWER LIMB Podiatry • Utilising: Gait analysis, postural stability and lower limb pressure assessment. • Limb length issues relating to long term hip, knee or back pain. • Improve lower limb stability and function with foot mobilisation and orthotics. • We evaluate: Lower limb pressure, function, symmetry, timing, balance and stability to reduce pain and increase movement

MOVEMENT IS LIFE!

inequalities using modern techniques such as pelvic torsion with a digital pelvic inclinometer, and decipher pressure differences while weight bearing with our state-of-the-art computerised pressure plate system. We assess your gait pattern while on our treadmill to analyse the way you walk and find any postural issues potentially triggering your pain. We are also able to prescribe and build bespoke orthotics individually made to your needs and lifestyle. For patients with mobility issues and a constant feeling of stiff rigid feet, we can make use of foot mobilisation techniques to bring movement to the joints of the foot, ankle and knee and get you moving with more freedom. As an HCPC regulated and qualified podiatrist, we only deal with evidence-based treatments and best practice, and are very proud to be able to offer the amazing Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy using the EMS Swiss Dolorclast Method. Shockwave therapy utilises high energy acoustic waves that create a metabolic change in traumatised areas, breaking down damaged tissue and repairing by increasing blood flow, regenerating new tissue and reducing pain. As well as tendinopathies we successfully use it to treat osteoarthritis of the foot, knee and hands, and have also been reducing hand pain as a result of carpal tunnel syndrome. Heath Weymouth has been trained and mentored by some of the most innovative and leading podiatrists in the UK and continually strives to bring the best treatments to the area. Call Cannon Barn Podiatry on 07946-473972 and he will be happy to have a chat about your issue.

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GARDENING

The winter garden Gardening and nature provided enormous solace during the ‘lockdown’ spring of 2020, and although winter days don’t make it so easy or enticing to get outdoors now, our gardens can still give us a huge boost during the darkest months of the year. Long winter evenings are a great time to indulge in some ‘armchair’ gardening, making plans for what to grow next year and perhaps giving your garden a New Year makeover. Look through photos taken through the season, think about what’s worked well and what hasn’t, and browse through seed catalogues which are packed with temptation. Much of our winter garden admiring is done from indoors so take a good look from daytime viewpoints like favourite armchairs; breakfast and lunch spots, not forgetting the kitchen sink. Concentrate on cheering up these key spots with colourful winter plants, like dogwoods (Cornus) with glowing red or orange stems; evergreens with golden, variegated or lustrous green leaves; plants clipped in architectural shapes like balls, pyramids or lollipops or

those which are naturally architectural in shape. Carpet the ground with evergreen grasses like Carex and Uncinia, and some winter flowers like hellebores, pansies and violas. If your key viewpoints are soil-less, plant up containers, choosing pots that withstand frost and packing plants in closely for maximum colour, as they won’t put on much growth during winter. Largergrowing plants can go in containers on their own and be kept there to give cheer for years to come. With social distancing here to stay for the foreseeable future, an outdoor seating area for all seasons is creeping onto the wish list for many. This can be created relatively easily with windshielding screening, a cosy firepit, outdoor lighting of some kind (simple tealights in jam jars work well); and a few containers planted for seasonal interest. Some fragrant winter flowers will be even more enticing, like the shrubby honeysuckles (Lonicera fragrantissima, L. purpusii); winterblooming Camellia sasanqua; and Christmas box (Sarcococca).

Christmas gift ideas For anyone of any age who’s interested in gardening, there are lots of potential gifts ranging from stocking fillers like gloves, plant labels and small hand tools, to big presents like a handsome patio pot, heated propagator, fire pit or a wormery to compost household waste. (I’m trialling wormeries for Gardeners’ World magazine – look out for the results in the February issue). House plants are excellent, but when it comes to garden plants I recommend only buying if you have a very good idea of what the recipient would like, otherwise they could be stuck with something large and long-lived not to their taste, like a tree or rose bush. Vouchers for plants are the safest bet!

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GARDENING

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

There are lots of fantastic wildliferelated products, particularly for attracting birds into the garden – and winter is when the food we provide can mean the difference between life and death. The fascination of watching birds at feeders and tables can give countless hours of entertainment. Support the work of the RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts by buying from www.rspb.org.uk or from www.vinehousefarm.co.uk.

tickets. This year, all these organisations need our support more than ever. For 2021, the RHS is planning to run four of its fabulous flower shows, including the Malvern Spring Show in early May and the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show in late May, with an extra day and fewer visitors (good news for anyone who’s ever battled the Chelsea crowds). Tickets would be yet another great gift idea.

You could also give the pleasure of garden visiting all year round. Gift memberships are available from the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society, while independent local gardens open to the public, often offer ‘Friends’ membership or season

Sue continues to be available for garden advisory visits and design work, operating according to Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. Christmas gift vouchers are also available for garden advisory visits:

Sue Fisher GARDEN DESIGNER & HORTICULTURAL SPECIALIST

Inspirational ideas to transform your garden Advisory visits • Planting plans Complete designs tel: 01822 841895 • email: suefisher@talktalk.net www.suefishergardens.co.uk

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GARDENING

RHS Rosemoor winter garden

Gardening jobs for the season

Gardens to visit: RHS Rosemoor

Grow a great crop of garlic by planting now. Buy cultivated seed garlic which is bred for our climate: widest choice from www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk

Nov â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jan (selected dates)

Take advantage of dry spells to carry out garden DIY and maintenance. Pressure wash decking, paths and paving which can become dangerously slippery, and apply stain or preservative to sheds, fences and other garden woodwork. Lots of different coloured wood stains are available so you could give your garden a whole new look. Lawns have grown like mad this year. Use a half-moon edger to cut fresh, neat edges (compost the cut-off bits) and your lawn will look smart until well into spring. Make more plants for free by dividing herbaceous perennials.

RosemoorÂ Glow

A magical trail through our Winter Garden where you can see the trees, shrubs, sculptures and water features lit with hi-tech dynamic colour-changing illuminations (pre-book only, timed entry slots, one-way route and limited capacity).

Until 31st January

Winter Sculpture Exhibition Unique creations in a wide variety of media are on display throughout the gardens, highlighted by the illuminations. Most pieces are for sale or can be made on commission. Please book a timeslot online before visiting.

Glow

Light up your festive season Selected dates 19 November - 2 January Timed entry and limited capacity, book all tickets online rhs.org.uk/rosemoorglow RHS members go free Your visit supports our work as a charity RHS Reg Charity No. 222879 / SC038262

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

FARMING NEWS

Looking ahead to 2021 2020 is a year we would all like to forget, the whole year dominated by the dark shadow of Covid-19 affecting everyone, everywhere! But I will try and avoid the dark stuff and hopefully shine a light on the beautiful Dartmoor landscape which has for millennia been witness to the various rises and falls of human civilisation and bears the scars. In the grand scheme of things let’s hope as the page turns on 2020, we can look forward to a brighter 2021 for everyone! The wonderful thing about being a farmer is that although on the face of things our job seems a bit samey, the changing of the seasons, the various growing seasons and the eb and flow of the cattle and sheep calendar offer almost infinite variety. As a result, our jobs change almost weekly as we endeavour to keep up with and try to get in front of the next wave of the calendar. As we end the year, with the sheep we have hopefully got a farm full of pregnant ewes waiting expectantly for the spring grass and the sea of new life that inevitably arrives in March and April. Let’s just hope the weather will be kind for us as the wet conditions which are very much part and parcel of Dartmoor don’t help pregnant ewes get around muddy wet pastures! A dry January and February are always helpful. The last of the fattening lambs are being finished off as we end the year and move into January. Trade has

been strong right through 2020 even with coronavirus and Brexit looming on the horizon. Britain, as a major lamb producer which exports a lot of lamb to the continent, has been billed as one of the most vulnerable markets in a no-deal Brexit scenario. But let’s hope a deal can be done with Europe, and faith in buying local produce, as well as working collectively like Dartmoor Farmers, will help secure our market and the future sustainability of our hill and upland farms, which have been farming sheep in these hills for thousands of years. The cows are by now all in the barns for the winter. They are also heavily pregnant and will calve in April and May. But during the mid-winter they are perfectly happy living indoors and are happy to let the sheep have the fields at this time of year! The younger cattle are also safely in the barns. We tend to keep them in small groups bunched according to size, age, breed and sex to help us manage their diets and make sure they not only survive the winter but continue to grow and thrive. Then in the spring they are fit and healthy so they can fatten up through the summer and don’t spend that time recovering from a harsh winter. We are supplying beef to Howells of Tavistock and Dartmoor Farmers so it is so important we have a steady and consistent quality animal to sell which has reached its full potential.

During the winter we would like to think there will be a window of good weather to do some much-needed maintenance to hedges and fences. In recent years this seems to be harder and harder, I am not sure if that is because we are busier or that the weather is getting wetter - I suspect it is both! At least there are a few grants available for some maintenance which help with the cost. Our small fields circled by large stonefaced banks look fantastic, but they do take a lot of maintaining. My final Dartmoor Farmers plug is the launch of our new pie range. We are now stocking Morrisons with beef and Jail Ale pies (in partnership with Dartmoor Brewery) and beef and stilton pies. They are fantastic, and as a director and pie-lover I made sure I was heavily involved in product development! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm

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NATURALIST

A Redbreast for Christmas The bird that we most often associate with Christmas, and which is on many Christmas cards, is the Robin. In Victorian Britain the postmen wore red uniforms to deliver letters and cards and were thus nicknamed ‘Robin’ or ‘Redbreast’. Hence the Robin was linked with Christmas. Other names for the Robin include Redbreast, Redocke, and Ruddock. Robins are widespread and very common across Devon, apart from the open parts of Dartmoor. In the Postbridge area on Dartmoor numbers in the 1950s and 1960s were believed to be around 100-150 pairs. In a county-wide breeding survey from 1977 to 1985 the Devon population was estimated to be over 200,000 pairs! They are early breeders and have occasionally been recorded laying in February, although they normally start to nest in March and often the first young birds are seen in April. They lay 4-5 eggs in a hole in a wall, or a Dartmoor bank, and normally raise two or sometimes three broods of young. Robins are one of very few birds that sing throughout the year. In autumn and winter the wistful song of a Robin is often the only birdsong you hear. At this time of year males and females hold separate territories, and will strongly defend these territories. Originally they were shy woodland birds – and this is still true in eastern Europe – but they are now found in many other habitats, including farmland, hedgerows, gardens and parks. British Robins are common garden birds and frequently come close to gardeners in the hope of a tasty worm. With patience it is even possible to train ‘your’ Robin to feed on mealworms from your hand! However, caution is needed. Like many garden birds, Robins are vulnerable to predation by cats; around a quarter (25%) of ringed birds which were later found dead had been killed by cats. They take a wide variety of insects, spiders and earthworms, feeding mainly on the ground. When available, Robins also feed on fruits, mainly smaller fruits of up to 8 mm, so sloes are too big for them to swallow; the wide range of fruits includes ivy in winter and spring, elderberries and dogwood from late summer to autumn and spindle from November to February. In urban areas with street lights, Robins have adapted to feeding their young at night aided by artificial light.

Canary Islands and the Azores, and east to Siberia and Iran. In Britain, Robins are largely sedentary, and young birds are likely to settle within 10-12 miles (20 km) of their birthplace. However, Robins breeding in Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Poland and Germany migrate south in autumn to winter in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. They use the earth’s magnetic field to navigate and research has shown that the detection mechanism is located in the right eye. Occasionally, in adverse weather conditions, large numbers of these continental Robins arrive on our east coast. One such event occurred on 1 October 1951 when many Robins were recorded along the whole east coast of Britain from Shetland to Kent! - it was known as the ‘Great Robin rush’. In the USA the American Robin is much larger than our Robin and is in fact a thrush, closely related to our Blackbird, with an orange-red breast. On rare occasions American Robins have been recorded in Devon, most recently on Lundy in October 2018. If you would like to know more about the Robin’s life history, it is described in the classic book “The life of the Robin” written by David Lack. While he was a schoolteacher, he carried out a very detailed 5-year study of a population of colour-ringed Robins at Dartington in Devon. Another enjoyable and informative book is “Robins” written by Chris Mead. So, enjoy Christmas robins, on your cards and in your garden! Anthony John

There is much folklore about the Robin. On Dartmoor it was believed that taking a Robin’s nest was bound to be followed by the smashing of your own crockery. In Devon there was a warning rhyme that went: ‘Kill a Robin or a Wren, never prosper, boy or man.’ While an old belief was that the Robin and the Wren were the male and female of the same species! Robins occupy a large breeding range from western Europe, north to Scandinavia, south to north-west Africa, the

Photo by Richard Downer

CHARITY FOCUS

Peninsula Medical Foundation One of the great success stories of the South West is Peninsula Medical School (PMS), set up in 2001. Initially it was a joint venture of the universities of Exeter and Plymouth, but a decade ago, the universities went their separate ways. Peninsula Medical School has gone from strength to strength and now has over 2,500 graduates, many of whom work in local hospitals and general practices. Peninsula Medical Foundation (PMF) is a charity set up to support PMS, by helping fund local medical research and providing grants to students. Medical research is a complex area, helping to answer questions such as: what are the causes of diseases? These are a few examples of the research going on in PMS and with colleagues in Derriford Hospital â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which all contribute to improving the healthcare at Derriford, our regional centre for most specialties. Medical research is expensive but very worthwhile, as it impacts on health and care for all of us. It also brings benefits to Plymouth in terms of the latest drugs being used to treat often difficult conditions, in addition to helping medical staff keep up to date and use the best treatments.

The Brian Tumour Research Centre of Excellence is led by Professor Oliver Hanemann. He and Dr David Parkinson work closely with clinical colleagues in nearby Derriford Hospital and obtain samples from patients with low grade brain tumours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as meningioma which causes 30% of brain tumours - and peripheral nerve tumours. They grow the cells to discover differences in the genes and proteins between normal cells and cancerous cells. They can then test drugs to see if they have potential for future drug treatments. Dr Claudia Barros is looking at how certain genes are causing cancer in stem cells in the brain, by studying the genes in question in fruit flies.

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CHARITY FOCUS

In other labs, Professor Mat Upton is looking at antibiotic resistance which is an urgent issue, as more and more bacteria develop multi-resistance, making infections very difficult to treat. Dr Michael Jarvis has been developing a vaccine for Covid-19 coronavirus with international partners. Professor Matthew Cramp and colleagues are looking at many aspects of liver disease, especially hepatitis. He is using his knowledge of immunity to viral infection to develop new predictors for Covid-19 infection. Professor Richard Byng and his group are looking at another aspect of research – complex care for complex needs, such as what can be done for people with mental health disorders, as well as how to help people in complex systems, for example prison healthcare systems. Their research, done locally, can lead to immediate benefits for our local population. The Peninsula Clinical Trial Unit, based within the Faculty of Health of University of Plymouth, supports high quality, multi-centre clinical trials which enables patients in the South West to receive the latest treatments, and at the same time provide evidence of their efficacy. However research is costly: some of the laboratory machines cost hundreds of thousands of pounds; the reagents can

be very expensive too; scientists need to be paid and even PhD students need to eat and live somewhere! Peninsula Medical Foundation is not currently rich enough to fund all the research above, but it can help with small projects that enable local researchers to be successful in bids for national funding from the research bodies. Your help can make a difference locally as well as advance medical progress. PMF is currently raising money to pay for 100 days of research (£274,000) in memory of Roger Harris CBE, a much-respected businessman in Plymouth. Sadly, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and lost his battle with cancer in October 2017. Peninsula Medical School teaches medical students and physician associates using small group teaching and training in diagnostic thinking. Its objective is to provide medical training to students of all backgrounds; some

students, who have the right abilities to cope with the tough course and the future career, do not have the resources or opportunities others have and miss out in the competitive course entry requirements. PMS has a number of programmes to increase the diversity of people entering Medicine and now also has a foundation course which helps students who have not obtained the education necessary to start the course. PMS and the university already offer support to students when problems arise on the course, often due to family circumstances, and small grants can be a lifesaver, enabling people to overcome difficulties and continue their medical training. PMF provides prizes to reward excellence, as well as assisting with bursaries so students can spend time working with researchers, which helps them plan a future career as clinical academics. PMF has recently launched the Friends of PMF scheme which enables interested supporters and donors to help the medical school and local healthcare, ensuring the excellence of our local doctors and educators. Adrian Copplestone Professor Emeritus and Trustee of PMF For information go to peninsulamedicalfoundation. org.uk or donate on justgiving.com/ campaign/the-roger-harris-fund or justgiving. compeninsulamedicalfoundation

Care services for your loved ones

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LAW

legally speaking...

assessment can be conducted which provides determine how much you will need to contribute immediate decisions and enables funding to towards the cost of your care. be put into place at short notice. In general, all In our experience, clients main concern is being patients requiring assessments between March able to remain in their own home and to preserve and September 2020 have been delayed. Where their assets. Faced with poor health and the need patients have been discharged from hospital for care, together with the potential threat of and required onward care, such placements losing one’s home in order to pay for the care can have been funded through COVID monies. As be so stressful. Navigating your way through the at the 1st September 2020 new guidance has organisations, assessments and care provision is been issued by the Department of Health in not always a straight forward process. 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Funding futures...

Unfortunately, there is no one “ manual that provides you with all the

information as to which avenue or funding stream you may be entitled “

Anne

Lasting Powers of Attorney

10-12 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8AY

NHS Continuing Healthcare

10-12 Plymouth Road, 10-12 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8AY Get in touch today: Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8AY

info@chilcottslaw.com info@chilcottslaw.com info@chilcottslaw.com ¨ 01822 612535 10-12 Plymouth Road, chilcottslaw.com 10-12 Plymouth Road, Get in touch today: Get in touch today: chilcottslaw.com chilcottslaw.com Tavistock, Devon, PL19 Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8AY8AY

Get in in touch today: Get touch today:

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Health and Welfare Advocacy

COMMUNITY NEWS

Enjoy Tavistock this Christmas & beyond Tavistock has launched an exciting new project in time for Christmas. The Tavistock Gift Card aims to provide a much-needed boost to the town’s businesses in this period of uncertainty and beyond, encouraging more people to shop locally and support the high street. The Tavistock Gift Card works in the same way as other pre-pay gift cards – preload it with your chosen amount and it is ready to use at a wide-range of businesses throughout the town. Recipients can spend it in any participating business — whether you want to use it for a facial or sausages, the choice will be yours!

and experience Tavistock however you decide. The scheme has been spearheaded by Tavistock BID (Business Improvement District). BID Manager, Janna Sanders, is hopeful it will make a meaningful difference to the town and said: “It is a fantastic initiative for the town and comes at a time when ongoing support for businesses is crucial. We know gift cards are a popular choice for Christmas so we really hope people will consider the Tavistock Gift Card this year for friends, colleagues and loved ones. We are thankful to West Devon Borough Council and Mount Kelly for helping us get this project off the ground.”

Christmas is not cancelled in Tavistock and the town is ablaze with beautiful lights, including a new display in the churchyard. Dickensian Evening is sadly cancelled but there will be plenty of other opportunities to celebrate the Christmas season safely this year. Working with St Eustachius’, there is an alternative Christmas Tree Festival taking place which sees some wonderfully decorated trees being displayed in businesses throughout the town. There will also be Christmas markets to enjoy. Then come January, it will be time to redeem the gift card you received under the Christmas tree.

Why buy it? It takes the decision out of gifting and is a great idea for any occasion. It’s easy to use and supports Tavistock’s businesses. Discover the best of Tavistock in one gift card

You can purchase a card online at tavistockgiftcard.co.uk or pick one up from Lawsons, Tavistock. For further information on how it all works go to visit-tavistock.co.uk/giftcard.

Please continue to support the businesses of Tavistock!

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tavistock Rotary What an unsettling year this has been for everyone! Events we have taken for granted have been cancelled - Goose Fair Day, Dickensian Evening, the Rotary Christmas collections with Santa and the sleigh, and of course the Rotary Christmas Day lunch. Now as we enter the New Year we are looking forward to a time when we can start fundraising for our various charities again - all of them local charities who have been affected by Covid-19. 2021 is also a time of celebration for Tavistock Rotary as it is our 75th year of being an active club within Tavistock. Looking back at the archives, the Western Morning News reported on the party held at the town Hall on the 30th

October 1946 to celebrate the club being given its charter by Rotary International. The president of the club at the time was Mr W. T. Reeve and it had 40 members who were all interested in helping the community in the post-war era. The club has continued nurturing this community spirit and has raised thousands of pounds for local charities, as well as supporting international charities. Tavistock Rotary has been a regular contributor to the Stop Polio

Now fund; Bill Gates matches every pound raised by Rotary throughout the world and this has led to polio being extinguished in many countries. In normal times we meet for a sociable meal at The Bedford Hotel, but in the meantime if you are interested in finding out more about Tavistock Rotary please email Christine Ellis at tavistockrotarymembership@gmail.com

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A pre-paid funeral plan with Golden Charter gives you and your family peace of mind with a range of plans to suit all budgets from just ÂŁ1950. Your plan will be allocated to Morris Bros here in Tavistock. We also offer bespoke plans to suit specific requests. Contact us for further details or to make an appointment. To promote your business to 20,700* readers - call 07450 161929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

New Burrator Wildlife Guide The Burrator Wildlife Guide is a brand new 40-page booklet, created and launched by three South West Lakes Trust volunteers. Containing information on 109 species found around Burrator Reservoir, the guide will help visitors identify and appreciate the rich local wildlife. Volunteers Hayley, Ben and Daniel began the process of creating the guide in 2018, using existing wildlife records and survey work they had completed through university placements and volunteering. Before the creation of the guide, very little information about Burrator’s habitats and species was accessible or available; the Discovery Centre provided self-guided leaflets and booklets on historical aspects of the area, but there was a gap in accessible information on plants and wildlife. To capture a snapshot of

species representing the whole Burrator area, the volunteers performed a series of habitat surveys. They identified species which best represented the diverse wildlife of Burrator, and collaborated with other organisations, volunteers and local experts, who provided advice and photographs. Hayley, Ben and Daniel said: “It’s easy to read and accessible to all, with photos of all the species, so all you need to enjoy the guide is a desire to learn about nature. Making the guide gave us a greater appreciation of the unique environments around Burrator, and we are excited to share this information with others. We are thankful to all who contributed to the creation of the guide, the South West Water Biodiversity Fund for funding the printing of the guide,

Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here!

and to Emily Cannon for her support throughout the project.” Neil Reeves, Head of Environment and Community at South West Lakes Trust, said: “I know how much effort they have put into the research and production of this guide. It is a great piece of work and will make the wildlife and habitats around Burrator more accessible and interesting to everyone. Thank you Hayley, Dan and Ben.” The Burrator Wildlife Guide costs £3 and is available to buy at the Discovery Centre, PL20 6PE every Wednesday in October (10am-4pm) cash only. It will also be available to purchase online at swlakestrust.org.uk and by contacting 01566 771930.

Visit tavistockurc.org.uk for our latest news

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Buckfast beekeepers go global Buckfast Abbey’s renowned beekeepers are sharing their expertise worldwide with the aid of technology. Clare Densley and Martin Hann usually run a packed schedule of talks throughout the year at the abbey’s peaceful Bee Barn. They both also write widely and have recently started making films about their work. With their 2020 programme cancelled because of the pandemic, Clare and Martin have been finding new ways of engaging with their fellow apiarists, working with British Beekeepers Association which is the main representation of hobby beekeepers in the UK, running local clubs throughout Devon. Clare says: “Martin and I talk regularly during the winter season as guest speakers to various branches, usually in a village hall or a room in a pub somewhere. Topics can range from the intricacies of honey bee sex to how to manage your bees during winter. We travel as far as Somerset, Dorset, Cornwall and occasionally a bit further. Last winter, I went to deliver a talk to Cambridge BBKA.” The virtual beekeeping talks started after Tavistock BBKA cancelled its talks because of the virus, and two committee members asked if they could have their talk/workshop via Zoom. Since then, Martin and Clare have given six talks – including one to an agricultural college in Australia – with 12 more sessions in the pipeline. Clare says: “It has provided a way of connecting up socially to share a bit of banter and attend a talk which clubs couldn’t otherwise do at the moment. For us, it has kept us busy

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and connected to people we wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to meet.” In addition to the digital talks, Clare says that she and Martin are busy making plans for when they can resume their courses at Buckfast Abbey: “We have been doing lots of filming during the summer to incorporate into our teaching at a later date. This will enable us to maintain some social distance whilst out looking through a beehive. Understanding a honeybee colony involves lots of intimate observation and this is difficult to point out unless you are close by someone. Seeing honeybee eggs in the cell is a crucial skill which you need to master, but they are tiny. Teaching people to spot them without standing right next to them will be a challenge, so we hope that some closeup filming will help to supplement the first-hand experience. Maybe, we will incorporate Zoom into our teaching in the future, but we will just have to see how things go. Certainly, smaller group sizes are on the cards, but that is not a bad thing.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Solar Together Save money and help save the planet Devon’s householders have the chance to help the county become net-zero by joining Devon Climate Emergency’s (DCE) solar panel group-buying scheme. DCE is made up of Devon’s principle public and private sector organisations, and they have joined forces to draw up a Carbon Plan, the county’s roadmap to carbon neutrality. The DCE’s latest project is Solar Together and, with group buying experts iChoosr Ltd, they are offering homeowners the chance to buy high-quality, solar PV more cheaply than if they were buying alone. Led by Devon County Council, the scheme is partnered by 10 of Devon’s planning authorities. If you are interested, the first step is to register at www. solartogether.co.uk/devon/home – by registering, there is no obligation to install panels. A ‘reverse’ auction involving pre-vetted suppliers will then take place and the winning bid will be the most cost-effective one. Registered residents can then decide if they want to proceed. There are three collective energy switching schemes per year: a winter scheme you can register for now and that sees its auction in February, a spring scheme with an auction in May, and an autumn round with the auction in October. Registered residents are welcome to take part in whichever auction they prefer, but it is recommended you choose the auction round most compatible with your current tariff end date. For more details see solartogether.co.uk

Solar Together is one of the ways the DCE is helping local people take a positive step to reduce their own carbon footprints. Research by the University of Exeter shows that 19 per cent of all Devon’s carbon emissions are created by our homes, with more than half of those by grid-supplied electricity. Installing solar panels will reduce the amount of grid-supplied electricity needed for things like hot water, with a transfer to more eco-friendly solar energy. This scheme follows four similar projects run across the country last year which promise to deliver over 1,300 installations, saving an estimated 28,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from being produced.

Help for household essentials The impact of the coronavirus pandemic is continuing to put a huge financial strain on some people. Employment situations are changing rapidly and for some their income now no longer covers what they need, or they have lost their jobs completely. Help is available for basic household essentials via your district council’s hardship fund. To find out more about

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Journey through Plymouth’s past

EDUCATION

Educational tool and catalyst for change

Photo credit: British Library

Tavistock Heritage Trust has been awarded a £14,750 grant by Historic England to develop a major educational project around the story of Photo by Richard Downer Sir Francis Drake. Working in partnership with Historic England, Tavistock Town Council, Tavistock Rotary Club and One Bristol Curriculum, Tavistock Heritage Trust will be using Sir Francis Drake’s statue as an educational tool and catalyst for change via a Key Stage 3 and 4 school’s programme currently being trialled at Tavistock College and Mount Kelly, before being rolled out to other schools across England. One Bristol Curriculum has developed an 8-lesson schools’ learning programme initially aimed at Key Stage 3 history and citizenship programmes, with elements rolling into PSHE sessions for Key Stage 4, and later being developed as a Key Stage 2 version. The programme will follow the following themes: •

The story of Sir Francis Drake and his involvement with the early slave trade: understanding why Queen Elizabeth backed Drake’s privateering.

•

Slavery through time: a potted history of slavery through time to show that slavery has existed before and after the transatlantic slave trade.

•

The history of Britain’s transatlantic slave trade, its effects and eventual abolition: what was Devon’s role in the slave trade?

•

Examples of the lives of people from Black and ethnic minority groups who lived in England as freemen and women during the 16th, 17th & 18th centuries.

•

Understanding the origins of Colonial Britain.

•

How to use history as a way of tackling racism in the 21st century.

•

The role of statues in public art and as representations of key moments in history.

•

The issues surrounding modern day slavery: where is it? what does it look like? why does it happen?

•

Alongside the school’s programme the information will also be disseminated to the wider public via the Tavistock Guildhall Centre with lectures and adult learning courses delivered both online and face-to-face, together with additional school learning programmes once the centre opens in 2021.

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WHAT’S ON

Sunday 13th December, 10:30 - 15:30

Christmas Market

It’s that time of year again when Miss Ivy Events brings you the popular Christmas Market at Butchers’ Hall & Pannier Market in Tavistock. The day will be jam-packed full of festive treats from over 50 artisan, upcycled and gift exhibitors selling a selection of jewellery, candles, food, gifts and

many other amazing items. This is the perfect chance to pick up those special gifts for loved ones. Refreshments will be available and the venues are dog friendly. On offer will also be a gnome trail for the little ones. Miss Ivy is proud to support local businesses and you can too by popping along and

shopping local this Christmas season. FREE ENTRY with Covid-19 precautions in place. Covid-19 restrictions may mean the event has to be cancelled – please check updates at www.missivyevents. co.uk

Alternative Tavistock Christmas Tree Festival 2020 This year we have had to cancel the hugely popular Christmas Tree Festival organised by the Friends of St Eustachius’, owing to the current Covid-19 guidelines. In its place we are working with both local schools and local businesses to put on an alternative 2020 festival. We are delighted to say that we are helping local schools in the area to decorate their own themed tree in the church. Lockdown restrictions may well affect our hopes of hosting ‘The Schools TreeFest’, but up-to-date information on what will be happening can be found at: Facebook: St Eustachius’ Parish Church Tavistock and tavistockparishchurch.org.uk. When the church is able to open, we will also have some wonderful ‘Vintage Green’ Christmas gifts for sale, as well as the usual homemade marmalade and chutneys.

The Friends of St Eustachius’ Christmas Tree Festival usually welcomes 65 organisations to decorate their own themed tree for a beautiful display in the church. As this is not possible this year, instead the trees are being brought out into the town! Tavistock BID has responded to this creative suggestion magnificently and is encouraging shops and businesses to display trees in their windows for the ‘Alternative Tavistock

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Christmas Tree Festival’, bringing some much-needed comfort and joy to our community and its many visitors, as well as essential funding to our church. Maps will be available in local shops to guide you around the town’s tree display. We hope that December will see us able to celebrate Christmas in Tavistock and that you can support the church by making a donation when you pick up a map.

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Raising funds for St Eustachius’ Church

WHAT’S ON

December to March

Dartmoor’s Disappearing Phone Boxes Four Devon libraries will be playing host to an exhibition of photographs titled Dartmoor’s Disappearing Phone Boxes. The iconic red telephone box, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, first appeared on the streets of Britain back in 1925. However, it is now in danger of vanishing from our streets and Dartmoor’s red telephone boxes are slowly disappearing from our towns and villages. Dartmoor Photographer, Helen Northcott decided to embark on a personal project to record for posterity the remaining red telephone boxes within Dartmoor National Park. She has spent two years researching and documenting the iconic, red telephone boxes within the boundary of the national park. The resulting exhibition showcases the remaining 70 red telephone boxes. Of those remaining, just 43 telephone boxes are still operational with working telephones, some of these are under threat of removal due to lack of use, and may even have already been lost since the start of the project. While some of the redundant telephone boxes stand empty awaiting adoption or removal, many have already been adopted by local communities and repurposed so their future is secured. In Princetown one of two telephone boxes on the main road through the village has been adopted by the parish council and reused as a memorial to commemorate the service

personnel who fought during the two world wars. Other boxes like the ones at Hexworthy and Belstone have been pressed into service to house their community defribrillators. Across the moor redundant telephone boxes are also being used as informal libraries, village notice boards and even as a cake stall. The exhibition is being hosted by four Devon libraries: it will start in Tavistock Library in the run up to Christmas (restrictions permitting). In the new year, the exhibition will be hosted by Chagford Library during January and then Moretonhampstead Library in February. The exhibition was originally due to start in Princetown in November but these dates will be rescheduled to March 2021.

Exhibition Dates Tavistock – 3rd to 24th December (restrictions permitting) Chagford - 9th January to 30th January Moretonhampstead - 9th February to 27th February Princetown – March (dates tbc) Please check dartmoorphotographer.co.uk for more details about the exhibition, as well as the latest information about dates and opening times.

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WHAT’S ON

West Dartmoor U3A Who would think that an organisation like the U3A, whose slogan is Learn, Laugh, Live, could even survive in these extraordinary times, but the members of West Dartmoor U3A, based in Tavistock, are determined that our organisation will adapt and continue with its main purpose - providing the opportunity for like-minded people to meet, share interests and hobbies, and broaden their horizons. Full meetings, formerly held at the Methodist Church Hall, and always with a guest speaker, were put on hold at the start of lockdown. Once it became clear that we were in for a long haul, our monthly talks became online meetings via Zoom. Now, with everyone’s confidence growing, the sessions have been extended to allow members to chat before the talk, almost as they used to do in real life over a cup of coffee. Meetings of most of our 22 special interest groups present more of a problem. Ranging from Art Appreciation to Science, and usually with around 10 or 12 members present, in normal times these were held mainly in members’ own houses. Several

groups have been experimenting with Zoom – most notably Ancient Greek, which proudly claims not to have missed a single meeting – while others have held Rule-of-Six meetings. Our two walking groups however, the Explorers

So far, our monthly Zoom talks have covered The Pre-History of Malta; Our Place in Space; the History of Archaeology on Dartmoor; and The Art and Artifice of Fleet Street. The programme extends into the spring, and still to come are: 17 December - Simon Dell: Lundy, a Landmark 50 Years 21 January - Joss Hibbs of Powder Mills Pottery: An Alternative History of Pony Herds on Dartmoor 18 February - Brian Margetson: Ghosts, Royals and Ferrymen 18 March - Professor Peter Edwards: Canaletto: Picture Postcard Painter par Excellence?

and Amblers, reconvened in the summer and met every week up to the November lockdown: as organised outdoor events they have been allowed to meet in larger numbers, of course following the distancing and hygiene rules that have become so familiar to us all. And the Veg and Fruit Gardening Group, naturally enough, meet in their gardens.

If you are no longer in full-time employment, and would be interested in finding out more about all our activities and how to become a member, do visit our website, where you can also contact us. We would be delighted to welcome you, maybe at a safe distance now, but hopefully more personally in the future. westdartmooru3a.org.uk

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

West Devon Business Park Tavistock PL19 9DP • 01822 612880

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

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

11th to 13th December

Santas go freestyle for CHSW Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) annual Santas on the Run event is back, but not as you know it! Supporters will be able to choose their own route, distance and festive fancy dress. The local children’s charity has taken the decision to hold it virtually this Christmas due to the pandemic. It’s free to register and anyone who manages to raise more than £15 will receive a special ‘Santas on the Run’ medal. CHSW’s Santas on the Run has taken place at Rosemoor since 2018 and before that was held in Bideford town centre. Over the years it’s seen thousands of people join together raising vital funds for CHSW and its Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Fremington. Together with community partner Whirlwind Sports, CHSW is asking this year’s participants to raise sponsorship or make a donation to enable the charity to continue to providing vital care for children and families when they need it most, whether that be in the hospice or at home. Kiley Pearce, CHSW events fundraiser said: “Over the weekend of 11-13 December we will have a warm-up for people to join online each day, as well as lots of prizes including for the best-dressed family, child and dog! It’s undoubtedly been a challenging year and we would encourage

people to get involved however they like this Christmas, but most importantly, have fun and help us raise money to continue supporting local children living with life-limiting conditions and their families.” Register for free at chsw.org.uk/santas and join the charity’s event on Facebook by searching ‘Santas on the Run – goes freestyle’ www.facebook.com/events/649916122169450

l ua ue 1 nn D 02 A s y2 b Su uar n

The West Devon Club

We continue to adhere to Government Rules and Guidelines during these unprecedented times for Covid-19. The health of all Members/Guests and Staff are extremely important to us, and we have put all measures in place to keep the club a safe environment.

The festive season is upon us, and we welcome members and their guests into the club. Warm up with a mulled wine, book a festive meal and celebrate in the cosy atmosphere. Our friendly, welcoming club has a lot to offer and many facilities. Interested in becoming a member? Please use the contact form on the West Devon Club website. Please renew your membership - We appreciate your support during these difficult times and wish all members a very Happy Christmas and Good Healthy New Year

For the latest news on events, please check the A Boards at the club, website and facebook

3 Abbey Place, Tavistock, PL19 0AB • 01822 613025 • thewestdevonclub.com 38

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WHAT’S ON

29th to 31st January

Big Garden Birdwatch Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK will celebrate their love of nature and unite to watch and count the nation’s garden birds for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. Over the last weekend in January, Devon residents are asked to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds that land in their garden, balcony or local park, then send their results to the RSPB. Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s chief executive, said: “We know for many people, garden birds provide an important connection to the wider world and bring enormous joy. Lockdown brought few benefits, but the last year has either started or reignited a love of nature for many people. By taking part in the Birdwatch, you are helping to build an annual snapshot of how our birdlife is doing across the UK. We know that nature is in crisis but together, we can take action to solve the problems facing nature.” The house sparrow remained at the top of the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings as the most commonly seen garden bird with nearly 1.3 million sighted in 2020. Starling held down the second spot once more, with the blue tit completing the top three. Big Garden Birdwatch data shows that numbers have dropped dramatically since the Birdwatch began in 1979. House sparrows are down 53% while starlings are down 80%. It’s a pattern echoed by two more garden favourites, with blackbirds and robins down 46% and 32% respectively.

Photo by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

Dartmoor National Park

Niki's Soft Furnishings

After an unexpected year, Christmas is still coming to For your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes Dartmoor so join us and celebrate this magical time of a bird identification chart, top tips for your birdwatch, RSPB year with a virtual exhibition and a variety of online events A Southwest home soft furnishings interior shop voucher, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife including wreath making videos and more. Pending the company. Trading for over 20 years we have the to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit rspb.org.uk/ lifting of the new restrictions in place through November, if and experience design birdwatch. Registration for Big Gardenknowledge Birdwatch 2021 opens visitorto centres areand able to reopen in December then they will transform thetakes most complex projects for the ourartisans who take their inspiration December 9th, 2020. The RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch continue to showcase place between January 6th – Februaryclients 21st, 2021. Forinclude further Gaia who Spa, Boringdon from Dartmoor. For more Hall information go to dartmoor.gov.uk or information see rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch. Hotel, The Jamaica Inn andusour recent follow on social media. appearance helping the wonderful Morphy family on DIY SOS.

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The creative team headed up by the talented Niki Solomon offer a personalised service, taking the to 20 listen your ideas and Trading time for over yearstowe havethoughts, the knowledge and experience to A Southwest home soft furnishings interior designaspirations and transform the most complex for our clients. before using theirprojects vast knowledge of company. Trading for over 20 years wetalented have The creative team up by the Nikithe Solomon offer a fabrics to headed design your perfect home.

the uthwest home soft furnishings interior personalised service, taking the time to listen to your thoughts, ideas knowledge and experience design and and aspirations using their vast knowledge of fabrics pany. Trading for over before 20toyears we have theto design your perfect home. all transform the most complex projects for our wledge and experience to design andHall Call our creative team on 01752 403721 Spa, Boringdon CallGaia our creative team on 01752 403721 mily clients who include www.nikissoftfurnishings.co.uk sform the The most complex projects for our Hotel, Jamaica Inn and our recent www.nikissoftfurnishings.co.uk Niki who appearance wonderful Morphy family nts includehelping Gaiathe Spa, Boringdon Hall the See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Winter 2020 at Sterts

Sunday 20th December, 6pm

Due to recent Government restrictions, please keep checking back for updates on forthcoming shows at sterts. co.uk/autumn2020. Please note all tickets must be booked in advance and audience members must wear a mask. Performances are in the main theatre, so wrap up warm, bring a comfy cushion and a cosy blanket... it’s the Sterts Style!

With that familiar mix of emotions - anticipation, excitement, reflection, celebration - and this year with the added uncertainty of separation - our hour of choral delight, in a repertoire spanning centuries and styles, will try to reflect the moment.

Friday 11th December, 7pm & Saturday 12th December, 2pm & 7pm

Seussical

Canoryon at Christmas

Monday 21st December, 7pm

Sterts Singers Christmas Celebration

Caradon Youth Theatre presents this brilliant family show with an amazing up-beat score, and a heart-warming and thoughtprovoking story, making it a blockbuster of a musical.

Welcome again to our traditional Candlelit Carol Concert in the Theatre. Dress up warm and celebrate the start of Christmas with a seasonal blend of words and music, and help raise funds for charity too.

Saturday 19th December, 7.30 for 8pm

Tuesday 22nd December, 12pm and 2pm

Christmas with the Everys

Squashbox Christmassy Christmas

The Everys are a local family of 5 musicians who are all very much involved with Sterts Theatre and who love to make music both together and individually. Stewart, Paula, Sam, Polly and Lillie are looking forward to entertaining you this Christmas

The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! is an over-stuffed stocking of seasonal surprises crammed with puppets, songs, quizzes and comedy, and over-flowing with crazy characters, silly slapstick, tall tales and fantastic facts - all presented in that unique Squashbox style.

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WHAT’S ON

Plymouth Christmas lights This year, due to lockdown measures, there wasn’t an event to mark the Christmas lights switch-on but Plymouth city centre is now lit up, bringing some festive cheer to the city with its illuminated streets.

Geddon Plymouth, Pledge to Shop Local This year has been incredibly hard for local retail and hospitality businesses. Plymouth is asking local residents to join our amazing cast of characters and make a pledge to shop locally for your Christmas gifts this year. With so many businesses offering local deliveries, click and collect and alternative ways to shop it’s easy to shop local and means you’re helping to make a positive difference to Plymouth. Many, small, independent businesses depend on the Christmas shopping season so please support them where you can to save businesses and protect jobs. But remember the big chains and leisure businesses employ thousands of local people too, so any money spent in Plymouth still helps the

local economy. Whether it’s continuing to buy your fresh produce from local butchers, greengrocers and fruit and veg shops or committing to buying gifts for friends and family from Plymouth businesses, we’re asking you to make a pledge and to share with us on social media how you’re supporting local this Christmas. Simply post your pledge, tell us how you’re planning to buy locally and share it with us on social media, tagging @ Shop4Plymouth on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and using #Shop4Plymouth

Join our city’s amazing cast of characters

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

MUSIC AND ART

Sound Waves South West Everyone has the ability to respond to music. Sound Waves South West Music and Music Therapy Trust (SWSW) is an independent charity founded in 2000 by Judyth Gwynne who experienced the profoundly beneficial effects of music and its ability to increase communication, first-hand with her young, disabled daughter. When Judythâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter reached adulthood, she was able to explain to her mother that it was music that had saved her life. SWSW originally began working in the Bude area, but now extends throughout North Cornwall and into Devon, helping to give local children access to a wide range of musical activities, by providing funding for music therapy, a free loan scheme for orchestral instruments, music workshops in schools and an annual award for musical achievement.

Instrument Loan Scheme

response to music to support their psychological, emotional, cognitive, sensory, physical, communicative and social needs through engagement in live musical interaction. As well as being highly competent musicians, music therapists also have to be professionally qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Both children and therapists get involved in musical activities such as playing instruments, singing, listening, improvising and song-writing. By sharing musical experiences, the therapy provides support and facilitates positive changes in behaviour, communication and wellbeing. Children with autism can develop emotional, social and communication skills, while for people affected by disability and illness, working with a music therapist can be life-changing. SWSWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music therapy work is currently only in North Cornwall although until recently the charity also

funded music therapy in North Devon when the school, recognising the huge benefit provided by the therapy, began to fund it as part of its core offering. SWSW works in collaboration with the Cornwall Music Service Trust and both organisations consider requests for music therapy in Cornwall and Devon, providing that the school or individual is able to provide some match funding. Musical instruments can be an offputting expense for a family when considering if their child would like to learn to play an instrument. The SWSW Instrument Loan Scheme was set up to allow aspiring players living in the area to borrow an orchestral instrument free of charge, as long as they arrange to have regular professional tuition at a school or privately. The scheme now has a total of about 230 instruments available to borrow, ranging from violins, violas and cellos to wind and brass, and

SWSW music therapy

Music therapy is recognised by the NHS, National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and OFSTED and is particularly effective for children who have difficulty communicating verbally. SWSW currently provides funding for music therapy for children with special needs in schools in the area. The therapy uses a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural 42

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MUSIC AND ART

SWSW school workshop

even classical guitars. 110 instruments are currently out on loan across North and East Cornwall, Northwest and West Devon. Okehampton Music Centre is a local initiative set up to encourage young people to get more involved with music and help them experience the thrill of playing in an orchestra, developing players so that our local, regional, and national orchestras thrive in the future. SWSW now has an informal partnership with Okehampton Music Centre, providing instruments for some of their students, which it hopes to expand once normal music tuition is able to resume. Each year Sound Waves South West organises professional workshops for schools in the SWSW catchment area. The workshops introduce children to a wide range of culturally diverse music, entertaining approximately 1000

JO MADGWICK UPHOLSTERY

children in 14 participating schools over the course of a week. Sadly, SWSW was unable to hold a workshop in 2020 due to Covid-19, although it is grateful to the D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust for contributing to the funding for the next workshop in 2021. SWSW also seeks to encourage young musicians by offering its Annual Award for Musical Achievement to someone who has shown exceptional improvement, and contributed to music in the community. Both the 2018 winner, Joshua Clark and last year’s winner, Robin Peers were at Devon schools. Although this year’s awards were cancelled, the prize money (£100 for the winner and £50 for the runner-up) will be held over until next year, so that twice as many students can receive an award in 2021!

· High Quality Childcare & Education for children aged 0-8 years · Free Funded Preschool Places and Funded Daycare Places Available · Accepts Government Funding for eligible 2, 3 & 4-year-olds · OFSTED Rated Good 2017

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Sound Waves South West Music and Music Therapy Trust relies totally on charitable support and is extremely grateful for substantial funding it recently received from the Tamar Heights Solar Farm, via the TRIG Covid-19 Recovery Fund. It is also very grateful to the national funding bodies, local organisations, Friends and individual supporters who enable it to carry out its valuable work. For further details about Sound Waves South West and its work or ways you can get involved please visit soundwaves-sw.co.uk or contact 01288 331368 or info@soundwaves-sw.co.uk.

Celebrating 30 Years providing for families in and around Tavistock

TRADITIONAL & MODERN BESPOKE HAND CRAFTED Call me to arrange a free estimate

SWSW 2019 award winners’ ceremony

Check out our website: www.the-old-school.org.uk Or call to discuss your family’s requirements: 01822 612362

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

MUSIC AND ART

Freehand Providing hands on learning Devon Guild of Craftsmen (DGoC) is a leading contemporary craft venue in the South West, recognised for the quality of its exhibitions and learning programme. Our exhibitions are designed to encourage innovative ideas and build critical engagement, alongside the development of craft skills and materials knowledge. Each year around 130,000 members of the public visit the shop, exhibitions or take part in craft workshops. DGoC is a charity and membership organisation that supports over 250 professional makers from across the South West to develop their creative practice by providing exhibition and residency opportunities, mentoring and retail spaces. Our charitable objectives include providing hands-on learning which we do through Freehand, our scheme to place professional makers and artists in schools and other communities, where they deliver workshops in a range of disciplines and materials. In 2019, Freehand facilitated and part-funded 30 artist-led projects in schools and other communities, mostly between one and five days in length, with more than 2,000 primary school children taking part in the workshops. These took place using a range of materials including textile design, wood sculpture, willow, graffiti, print making,

photography, sculpture with recycled materials, mosaic, felt making, jewellery and ceramics. Additionally, many oneday workshops for families, children and adults, took place at our home base, Riverside Mill. Freehand also seeks to reach communities who have limited access to creative opportunities with the aim of increasing engagement with craft making. Through 2018 -19, we delivered A Good Age - part of a national project under the Celebrating Age banner, which comprised a series of half-day workshops - 150 in total - for older people at risk of isolation and/ or loneliness. The project resulted in an exhibition in our main gallery, with the work made through community workshops on show alongside the work of five professional artists, all born before 1945, who made new work based on the theme of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Change in my Lifetimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. You can find a film documenting this project at youtube.com/watch?v=OnB1AI ynxkQ&feature=youtu.be

We have also worked with the charity, Headway Devon, on a long-term partnership, due to resume when external influences permit, running weekly workshops for creative activities. Other workshops and events, delivered mostly in-house, include meet-themaker sessions, family-friendly drop-in workshops, master classes, a Hey Clay day and professional development workshops for Devon Guild Members and other makers. Of course, these activities now require very different conditions in order to take place, but we are currently working on a programme of workshops to take place at Riverside Mill for small groups of participants, so they can be run in a socially distanced, safe way when the rules permit. Phil de Burlet Devon Guild of Craftsmen

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BUSINESS

Rhoop Design A success story of extraordinary diversification, proving all is not lost when a global pandemic wipes out your order book. Local Yelverton company, Sussex Seating has changed its product offer, resulting in the creation of something quite beautiful and long lasting. Liz Dawes, proprietor of Sussex Seating and director of the new Rhoop Design, explains how this came about.

So where did it all start? We started in Sussex in 1997. I was general manager of a theatre and in the middle of a massive refurbishment. I was dealing with the company responsible for the seating and, to cut a long story short, ended up going into partnership with Robert Hooper and setting up Sussex Seating. We supply many of the independent cinemas, theatres and lecture theatres around the UK - anything with fixed auditorium seating. I moved the business down to the West Country in 2010 and we are now based at Yelverton. Then came Covid-19!

The birth of Rhoop Design For our Sussex Seating clients it is a desperate situation; theatres and cinemas are closed and these are their key customers, so at the end of March, all their orders and contracts just stopped. The cancellation of the latest James Bond film put the final nail in the coffin for many of our clients. This business will come back at some point but we decided that diversification was something we had to do. Robert has always designed furniture, and at some point we had always planned to offer domestic seating. Covid-19 just made that happen a lot quicker. During late March and early April, we revisited Robâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to design and make domestic-use chairs and sofas. We have very highly skilled craftsmen working for us and we needed to utilise their abilities. Robert started to design a range of chairs and sofas and I spent a great deal of time building up contacts in the area with interior designers and retailers. This was the birth of Rhoop Design.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

The new range We have now created a completely new range of domestic furniture, to suit a discerning taste. These are high quality pieces of furniture. We also offer a bespoke design service, where clients can come to us and tell us what kind of chair they are looking for; we talk to them about their chair, use computer design technology, discuss materials, patterns and styles and create a chair especially for them. We have also just launched a new office chair called the Grenofen, aimed at all those new homeworkers. The chair is inspired by the Bauhaus School and is supremely comfortable and ergonomic. We also offer a reupholstery service, so clients can bring in their old chairs and we reupholster them. Many businesses have had to reinvent themselves due to this pandemic and Rhoop Design is a great example of how to use your existing skills, but in a slightly different way. Even when auditorium seating is back in demand, Rhoop Design is here to stay. You can see the range of seating at www. rhoopdesign.co.uk and call Liz on 01822 835968 or email sales@sussexseating.co.uk.

BUSINESS

Fabric & Furniture Fabric & Furniture has just celebrated its second anniversary and in that time has grown into a full-time business, specialising in the upholstery of furniture, both old and new. Linda Radford spent many years renovating old properties together with her husband, as well as upholstering furniture to complement the interior design. After working on a number of projects for friends and family, restoring a variety of treasured pieces of furniture, as well as acquiring several auction purchases that she just couldn’t possibly walk away from, she decided to set up Fabric & Furniture in September 2018. You may have come across Linda when she was running her regular Thursday stall in Tavistock Pannier Market, prior to the Covid-19 lockdown. She always had a selection of her popular, bespoke footstools for sale, in addition to a large range of fabrics on display. She loved working in the market, meeting people and chatting with customers about her craft, fabrics, furniture and more! Linda says: “I had to make a difficult decision during lockdown about how I could continue the business under the new restrictions and still provide a service to my customers. I set up a website and social media accounts with examples of my work. I also offer a collection and delivery service, and remote payment facilities to keep all my customers safe.” She now works from her workshop at her home on the edge of Bodmin Moor, close to the Cornwall and Devon border, where she has kitted out her upholstery business with everything needed to make over furniture and tailor it to customers’ personal requirements, including a large stock of fabrics, such as Linwood, Sanderson, Harris Tweed, Abraham Moon, Zoffany and Voyage. All her footstools are bespoke, handcrafted 46

fabricandfurniture (From Tavistock Pannier Market)

Upholstery • Fabric Custom Made Footstools and very sturdy with solid wooden Queen Anne legs, which are waxed to add extra protection. The footstools can be made to any size, fitting a cosy corner or even creating a statement piece of furniture to complement a customer’s existing decor. Linda also accepts commissions to upholster favourite pieces of furniture - some of her recent commissions have ranged from incorporating the Union Jack and the American Flag to working with family tartans and even beautiful tapestries made by the client - the possibilities are endless. Linda has a few footstools in her own home - we all need to put our feet up - but one special footstool has been designed to help her ‘middle-aged’ dog Mabel step up onto the sofa! As many of us are now spending more time in our homes you may be looking to put new life into a beloved item, a set of dining chairs or a comfortable old ‘friend’ - Fabric & Furniture can offer a complete service and enquiries are always welcome. For further details visit fabricandfurniture. co.uk, Facebook: fabricandfurniture and Instagram: @fabricandfurniture

Collection & Delivery Service Available

Please look at our website:

www.fabricandfurniture.co.uk

µ @fabricandfurniture.co.uk ² fabricandfurniture  Linda 07484 093494

 sales@fabricandfurniture.co.uk

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BOOK REVIEW

Book recommendations for winter By Katya Church of Book Stop, Tavistock

prose Zhang meditates upon ideas of identity and belonging, charting the journey of two children trying to find their place in a hostile world. This epic adventure tale asks whether home is something we find in ourselves, in others, or in the very earth which we inhabit. Published by Virago; £14.99

‘click and collect’ and mail order service throughout lockdown periods. Call us on 01822 617244, email bookstoptavistock@ gmail.com or order online at uk.bookshop. org/shop/bookstoptavistock

Our top 5 picks for Christmas: Our Planet by David Attenborough

How Much of These Hills Is Gold By C Pam Zhang ‘What makes a home a home?’ This question runs through the core of C Pam Zhang’s Booker-nominated novel, set on the sun-bleached planes of the American West following the Gold Rush. The answer is desperately sought by siblings Lucy and Sam, whose Chinese heritage makes them outcasts from the society into which they were born. They travel through the unforgiving wilderness of America with their recently-deceased father’s body on their backs, in the hope that burying him will find them roots in lands which have shunned them for so long. In devastating

His witness statement and vision for the future; £20

Secrets of a Devon Wood by Jo Brown Beautiful illustrated nature journal; £14.99

V2 by Robert Harris Historical fiction from a master of the genre; £20

Private Eye 2020 Hilarious satirical annual; £9.99

Quidditch through the Ages by JK Rowling Brand new illustrated edition; £25 Guidelines permitting, we will maintain our

K K TOP TOP

USIC M USIC M OOM R & ROOM

K TOP

THE

MUSIC ROOM

ONE OF S TOP 50 BRITISH BOOK SHOPS TWO FLOORS OF NEW BOOKS AND A FURTHER FLOOR OF NEW VINYL and CDs

Shrubbery Jubbery

Garden Maintenance & Design

3 MARKET STREET, TAVISTOCK TELEPHONE 01822 617244 www.bookstoptavistock.co.uk bookstoptavistock@gmail.com @BookStop1

Tracy: 07395 110936 shrubberyjubbery@gmail.com

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

FESTIVE FEASTING Choose roast turkey with all the trimmings, or something equally delicious. Either way, a festive treat not to be missed. 3 course Festive Lunch £24 3 course Festive Dinner £31

The Bedford Hotel

www.bedford-hotel.co.uk 01822-613221

In the heart of Tavistock

1 Plymouth Road | Tavistock PL19 8BB

WE HAVE YOUR LOCKDOWN ALL BOXED UP Whether you are getting organised for Christmas gifts, or want to treat yourself over the coming months you can now order Eagle One Gin online, from Cornish spring water, distilled in Launceston.

WWW.EAGLEONEGIN.COM

Delivery Service Available Sun, Mon, Weds & Thurs 5pm - 10.30pm Fri & Sat 5pm - 11.00pm (closed Tuesdays) All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Visit www.tharikstandoori.co.uk for our latest menu 67 West Street Tavistock PL19 8AJ

Call 01822 616520 / 07860 942849 to order

KITCHEN REPLACEMENT DOORS NEW KITCHEN REPAIR SERVICE

Just change: Doors / Handles / Hinges / Drawer Boxes & Runners WE OFFER FREE HOME VISITS WITH A QUOTATION FOR YOUR PERUSAL. DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR OAPs

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NEW MiniQ Quartz Stone Worktop Overlay System HYGIENIC • WATER/STAIN RESISTANT • HEATPROOF • EASY CLEAN • 18 COLOURS TO CHOOSE FROM THE TOP THAT GOES OVER YOUR WORN OUT WORKTOPS

SHOWROOM: 2 NEW ROAD, CALLINGTON PL17 7BE

07510 194948 or 01579 388709 callingtonkitchenstudio.co.uk

CAFE LIAISON

Situated in the heart of Tavistock, Café Liaison is a warm, friendly café serving breakfast, lunch, cream teas, excellent coffee and homemade cakes. As well as a full menu, there is a daily specials board.

Open: Monday - Sunday - WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU 3 Church Lane Tavistock PL19 8AA 01822 612225 c

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FOOD & DRINK

Ingredients 500g of Callebaut dark chocolate 500ml of water 250g of caster sugar 25ml orange liqueur

Dark Chocolate and Orange Sorbet Tom Browning, head chef at Lewtrenchard Manor at Lewdown, has kindly shared this delicious dessert with us. So why not indulge yourself and have a go at making it over the Christmas season – or anytime!

Method Place the water and sugar in a heavy bottomed pan, and bring them to a gentle boil. Take off the heat and use a stick blender to emulsify the chocolate into the water mix. Blend in the orange liqueur.

If you don’t have access to an ice cream machine you can place the mixture, once cooled, into a plastic container in the freezer. Every 20 minutes give it a very good mix, and after a long while you will end up with a great ice cream. It won’t be quite as smooth as if you use a machine but it will still be lovely!

Place in an ice cream machine and churn until set and store in a freezer.

We are planning to re-open on the 3rd December A Family Run Hideaway in Devon See our 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

HISTORY

Tavistock Heritage Trust Since it was first formed in 2017 Tavistock Heritage Trust’s (THT) main role has been working with Tavistock Town Council to complete the Guildhall Gateway Centre project alongside running the town’s Visitor Information Centre. The Guildhall is on schedule to open in the spring of 2021 when it will not only be the Eastern Gateway to the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage but will also provide both locals and visitors with a fascinating introduction to the heritage of the area, with a particular focus on the history of mining and criminal justice. However, the trust has always had two broader goals: the first is helping to educate the public about all aspects of the unique history and heritage boasted by Tavistock and the local area. We do this by organising guided walks, lectures, educational activities and other events, which aim to bring Tavistock’s heritage to life. We also seek to be a positive force in the local community by providing a wide variety of interesting and satisfying volunteering roles, which will allow local people to develop new skills and meet new friends. Our second goal is to help preserve physical evidence of the history of Tavistock. The THT research and oral history volunteers have been doing a remarkable job accumulating some of the textual evidence which we hope to make available when the Guildhall opens. One of our latest initiatives is the Drake Statue Project. Working with Historic England, the town council and Tavistock Rotary, we are developing a major educational project around the story of Sir Francis Drake. This will include his circumnavigation of the globe and his role in defeating the Spanish Armada, alongside his privateering voyages and his involvement in the early slave trade. The project will also cover the history of slavery and the role of Black and ethnic minority groups who lived in England as freemen and women throughout history, alongside issues surrounding modern day slavery. The project also involves the creation and installation of a new interpretation panel near the statue of Sir Francis Drake developed in collaboration with Tavistock schools and other local community groups. The panel will tell the wider story of Drake and the reason why the statue was first erected in 1883. Our other project, which has had to be paused during the current COVID-19 crisis, is raising funds to ensure the preservation of a wonderfully detailed wall painting of a 16th century warship on the first floor of an empty shop in Market Street. The painting was first recorded in the mid-1980s when it was uncovered during works to the property, which at the time was a dry cleaners. As the property was in private ownership no further work to preserve the painting took place until it was inspected by THT last year. Working with 50

county archaeologist for Devon Dr Bill Horner, arrangements were made to have it surveyed by various historians and conservation experts. The painting originally covered the whole of one wall on the first floor of the building which was initially joined to 3 Market Street, now Book Stop, and formed part of a much larger property. There is also evidence of additional paintwork on the wall of the second floor. Although only half of the original mural survives it clearly depicts a sizeable warship and is very similar in design to the Mary Rose depicted on the Anthony Roll – a colourful record of Henry VIII’s navy that was made in 1546, towards the end of his reign. The details of the ship are very clear, showing the forecastle decorated with crosses of St George. A streamer in the green and white of the Tudor dynasty overlain with a red cross of St George flying from the foremast and the top castle containing a supply of incendiary darts, ready to be hailed down on an enemy vessel in close-quarter fighting. There are also two guns primed and the mainsail apparently furled as if undertaking a battle manoeuvre. This strongly suggests, as maritime historian Dr Ian Friel believes, that ‘the artist either knew about ships or was working from a drawing prepared by someone with a sea-faring background’. Dr Friel has already hailed the painting as one of the finest depictions of a Tudor warship in the country. Analysis of the paint pigments by art conservation experts Ruth McNeilage and Catherine Hassall, gives an early 16th

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HISTORY

century date as does the survey of the building itself by historic building specialist Dr Stuart Blaylock. It may seem odd that a warship should feature in the interior décor of a domestic residence in a landlocked town in the foothills of Dartmoor. However, Tavistock was a wealthy merchant town in the 16th century. Half of Devon’s tin production passed through the town and there was a thriving wool trade. Moreover, the major port of Plymouth, some 14 miles away down the River Tavy, offered merchants and adventurers ready access to the then known world. It was also not uncommon for wealthy merchants to either lease or loan their ships to the crown in times of war. Famous citizens of Tavistock with a seafaring background in the early 16th century included Sir William Hawkins, father of the infamous John Hawkins. William Hawkins, a sea-captain and treasurer of the king’s navy, was probably born in Tavistock, but by the mid-1520s, he had settled in Plymouth. He became the city’s richest merchant, exporting

large quantities of tin and cloth to the continent and importing goods from France, Spain and the Mediterranean. In four great voyages of 1530, 1531, 1532 and 1540 he extended his trading activities to the west coast of Africa and Brazil, being Excerpt from Tavistock Times Gazette 17 January 1986 probably the first Englishman to perform this triangular voyage. Hawkins went on to become Member of Parliament for Plymouth. THT researchers are currently searching records to discover who owned the building and commissioned the painting. The first floor where the painting was found was an extension to an existing late-medieval house and was jettied out over the ground floor into Market Street; a second storey was jettied out above that. It is possible that it may once have been a high-status merchant’s house and finding the owners of the house could provide a clue as to whether the painting depicts a real vessel that may have once sailed alongside the Mary Rose. Dr Geri Parlby, Tavistock Heritage Trust Chair

If you would like to volunteer with THT then please visit heritageintavistock.org.

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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers A walk under and over two viaducts from the centre of Tavistock with John Noblet of Tavistock Ramblers. The viaducts were built to carry the Southern Region mainline trains from Plymouth to Waterloo. Tavistock North station, which we pass, was opened in 1890 but the line was relatively short-lived and closed in 1968. It does, however, give us the opportunity to walk high above the Tavy valley before returning to Tavistockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bustling town centre. This 3-mile walk starts from Bedford Square and takes just 1Â˝ hours so you can combine it with some Christmas shopping, Covid restrictions permitting. It follows a mix of quiet roads, footpaths

and old railway with great views over the town and towards the distant tors of Dartmoor. 1. From the visitor centre cross the road on the courtesy crossing and walk in front of the parish church and remains of the old abbey. Go first right into Church Lane. 2. Cross West Street into Market Street and the viaduct comes into view almost immediately. Continue ahead, bearing

left past the Union Inn and then, just before reaching the viaduct itself, turn left into Madge Lane. A climb up 31 steps is worth the effort with a good view of the viaduct at the top. 3. Turn sharp right and after 50m, just before the bridge parapet, turn right, signed as the Viaduct Walk. There are views of the older part of Tavistock and a skyline of Dartmoor tors. Pass a few more recent houses before turning sharp left into a footpath between the modern

Local artist Chloe Burnie at work in her Tavistock studio. The owl bird box mentioned in the Ramblers walk was a huge inspiration to her when creating this owl in flight image. It has now been printed onto various products and is available to buy at etsy.com/uk/shop/ArtistChloeBurnie or artistchloeburnie.com

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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

properties and the old station. The station is a private property but the platform canopy can still be seen. Bear right in the car park, signed as a cycle route, and pass an office block on the site of the old station yard. The path is now on the former track-bed of the railway. 4. At the road, turn sharp right up the hill. This is Old Exeter Road, once the main road out of the town until the 19th century. It is not a busy road but beware of traffic. Once again the climb is worth the effort and a gate just after the last house provides a great viewpoint. Continue on the lane, which now starts to drop downhill. Pass Grammerby Barn on the left and immediately bear left on a signed footpath. 5. This old green lane goes gently uphill to a gate. Follow the path around the field boundary to reach a stile under what must be the biggest bird box ever! (See local artist Chloe Burnieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interpretation of the bird box on page 52). The path drops down fairly steeply to a gate and an ancient bridge. 6. Turn right to walk down the driveway of Kestrel Kennels. Pass the entrance to an old quarry and under the Wallabrook viaduct. Turn left at the crossroads. 7. Go up another (short) hill. Pass two cottages and then turn sharp left onto the signed cycle path. Go over the viaduct with

views across the Tavy valley. Turn left at the lane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is Old Exeter Road again, and soon starts to go downhill and under the railway bridge that we walked over earlier. Walk down towards the town past an interesting mix of houses. Carry on to a crossroads, noting an old, stone distance marker showing that it is 215 miles to London. Turn left down to Bedford Square and the town centre. Tavistock Ramblers usually walk on most Saturdays and Sundays and some Wednesdays. The usual offering is a mix of short walks and all day hikes. Covid-19 has meant some restrictions in recent months and these may still apply. Visit tavistockramblers.org.uk to see all the walks at the present time. There are also a number of videos of self-guided walks for you to enjoy. Come and join us if you can.

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TECH HELP

Tech tips from ChezvousPC I have written this before, but it is always worth repeating; If you have a new BT Hub and your older device connects to it, but there is no internet, then it is the router’s fault! Out of the box, the BT Hub is not backward compatible and needs to be made so for older kit to work. It is to do with the security protocols. You will need to log in to the Hub as admin and change the wireless mode from 1 to either 2 or 3, trying it each time until you find the mode that makes it work. Crazy I know but these Silicon Valley guys think we all have modern technology! Lots of us are using Chrome these days to browse the internet as the alternatives are not as easy and Internet Explorer is no longer supported. But regardless of the browser you use, if you choose to ‘allow’ notifications on a website such as the Plymouth Herald or The Daily Mail, you will regret it forever. You will be plagued by pop ups in the bottom right of your screen that will continue even though you may have closed the browser! You need to remove the notifications in

‘Settings’ in the browser you are using and try to remember not to allow it again! If you want to use Chrome, but cannot get your Favorites from Internet Explorer, then open Chrome and go to the 3 dots at the top right and choose ‘Bookmarks’, then ‘Import Bookmarks and Settings’ and from the drop-down menu choose Internet Explorer and allow it to complete. You will find all your Favorites are on the Bookmarks Toolbar labelled ‘Imported from IE’. These days, for a lot of people the only reason to visit a bank is to pay money in. I can’t make paying in cash any easier for you, but did you know that if you have the banking app (smartphone or tablet) then you can pay in cheques without having to leave the house? In the app, there will be an option to ‘Pay in a cheque’; t will then use the camera on your device to photograph the cheque; you put in the amount (because it is not THAT clever) and it will hit your account in a day or so. So maybe that cheque book gathering dust has a use after all!

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BUS I NESS

Climbing, Nature & the Devil

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December 2020/January 2021 | Issue 7

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Articles inside

Is it time to put the tree up yet?