TAVY LINKS February / March 2019
Issue 35
182
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES INSIDE
Virtual Reality with the Dartmoor Society Hill Farm Project Plays, Music, Art and Crafts INSIDE THIS ISSUE: COMMUNITY NEWS • GARDENING • EDUCATION • FOOD • HEALTH • HISTORY • WHAT’S ON LOCAL PEOPLE An award-winning nurse and an adventurous photographer
HISTORY Tavistock Guildhall spanning the centuries
FEATURE On the open seas with Trinity Sailing Trips
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Come rain or shine… The deadline date for any inclusions in the April/May issue of Tavy Links will be 27th February 2019. 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 Customer Services: Rachel Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard
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Here we are at February and signs of early spring may be just around the corner. I say ‘may’ as nothing is ever certain at this time of year. However, whatever the weather, it’s a time of year when we are definitely the ‘right’ side of the shortest day and starting to retrieve at least a couple of extra hours of daylight each day, which always gives me satisfaction. This issue features a number of groups and individuals who, come rain or shine, achieve great things in their day-to-day lives. Kaye had the pleasure of finding out how Tavistock Taskforce provides opportunities for those with learning difficulties, the unemployed and the socially excluded, to work in nature conservation and enhance the countryside. Sue Fisher experienced first-hand what it’s like to sail with the Trinity Foundation which runs residential voyages for school groups, individuals, Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, and young people with additional needs. While one of our local people is a nurse who was recently awarded a national award for ‘Excellence in Cancer Care’ at the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards in recognition of the extra mile she always goes for those under her charge. We are also delighted to announce that the winner of our recent competition to win‘Dinner for Two at The Bedford Hotel’ is Nigel Halford.
Rosemary Best Editor
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5 Contents
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34
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5 Community News
26 Gardening
54 National Trust
13 Trade Secrets
31 Farming Diary
57 Book Review
14 Education
33 Naturalist
58 Food & Drink
15 Kids’ What’s On
34 Feature
60 Outdoors & Active
16 Local People
36 What’s On
62 History
20 Charity Focus
46 What’s On Extra
65 Tech Tips
23 Health & Wellbeing
52 Music & Art
70 Property Update
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Buy local lamb Lovers of Dartmoor’s iconic landscape can now ‘taste the view’ by purchasing prime lamb from a number of Morrisons stores in the South West, including Tavistock. The new initiative sources lamb from the Dartmoor Farmers’ Association, whose members farm within the Dartmoor National Park area. The association was formed in 2007 with the support of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and facilitated by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project to promote the link between upland livestock production and the benefits it delivers for the area’s landscape and wildlife. Livestock reared on the farms are predominately native breeds able to withstand the extremes of weather experienced during a typical year on Dartmoor. Many are born on the hill and grazed on semi-natural habitats, producing a wonderfully pure product with a superior flavour and texture to the meat. Studies, including one by Professor Henry Buller at Exeter University, have proven that livestock fed on natural bio-diverse grass diets results in a leaner meat with higher nutritional value, good fats and antioxidants.
Matt Cole of DFA said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Morrisons and provide local people with the opportunity to support us by purchasing our lamb, as well as make an investment in conserving the landscape and communities of the national park. Farming in an upland area is challenging but delivers so many benefits in addition to the production of quality meat.” Members of the association are involved in agri-environment schemes and sign up to reduce food miles and ensure traceability. They also seek to share their skills and knowledge with future generations of farmers to deliver a sustainable farming future and develop opportunities to engage with the public through on-farm events.
Pudsey Day of Morris BBC Children in Need appeal. In six hours of dancing in and around Tavistock, Pudsey Bear collected £1,552.88 for the appeal. Dartmoor Border Morris would like to thank all the Morris sides who attended, but also Tavistock Town Council, BBC Radio Devon, Bob`s East End Cafe, Dartmoor Brewery and the staff of the Explorer pub in helping to make this event happen. Next year`s event is already in the planning, so if you would like to be involved, contact dartmoorbordermorris.com or like their Facebook page. It`s Morris! How much fun can we have?
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EC N O ST RU W I A TI FF N G
Fifteen Morris sides came from all over the South West, including Gloucestershire, to perform for the 5th ‘Pudsey Day of Morris’, organised by Meavy-based Dartmoor Border Morris. One very special guest, Pudsey Bear himself, also turned up and gave the Morris sides a big boost in their efforts for the
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COMMUNITY NEWS
‘In Touch Tavi’ Tavistock Health and Wellbeing Alliance, facilitated by West Devon CVS, is a very active network of local statutory agencies and charitable groups in health and social care. The alliance ‘task and finish’ group has recently produced a simple, useful and easily accessible information folder called ‘In Touch Tavi’ for anyone in the Tavistock area needing help and support in a variety of circumstances. The A5 folder contains emergency telephone numbers as well as separate inserts detailing sources of local information in 6 broad categories: • Health, including details of surgeries and medical groups • Money matters, including all debt advice as well as housing • Family, including matters relating to children, parenting and carers • Young people • Transport • Well-being, including learning, social, volunteering activities
The folders are available from several participating organisations: Abbey Surgery, Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock Children’s Centre, Meadowlands Leisure Centre, Visitor Information Service, Kingdon House, Alexander Centre, Library and Parish Church. The inserts will be regularly updated, reprinted and distributed by West Devon CVS and Tavistock Area Support Services. ‘In Touch Tavi’ will be officially launched at a free open event from 10 am until 12 noon on Friday 1 March in Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock to which everyone is welcome. However, folders will be distributed from February and feedback is welcomed. Tavistock Health and Wellbeing Alliance is very grateful to Cllr Debo Sellis for initial sponsorship of the folder, and welcomes ongoing financial support for this project from other local organisations or businesses. If you would like further information or have any questions, contact Billie Burnett at WDCVS on 01837 53392 or email volunteering@ westdevoncvs.org.uk.
Brocante’s Book Swap At the end of last year, Brocante of Devon, was recognised as one of the year’s Small Biz 100 at an exclusive reception at the House of Lords, for its contribution to both the UK economy and the local community. An important factor in its selection, was the Tavistock business’s year-round fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) with its Book Swap scheme. Penny Samuel of Brocante says: “The idea of Book Swap is that for every book people donate, they can take another book for 30p. If they just want to buy, paperbacks are 75p and hardbacks are £1.25. A five-tier bookcase at the back of the shop is always kept full and we accept books for adults and
children, on any subject (almost!) as long as they are in good condition. All the money from donations and book sales goes into the CHSW collecting tin. We started Book Swap on 2nd August 2018 and so far it raises approx. £100 every couple of months!”
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Calling all ‘gothic’ writers! Go Gothic is an exciting new festival running from 12-19 October in Tavistock, culminating in the Go Gothic market and literary event. It is being hosted by Tavistock Library and supported by Tavistock Heritage Trust as part of ‘Tavistock’s 1st Gothic and Neo-Gothic Celebration of Literature, Art, Architecture, Theatre, Film and Creative Fun’. The Tavistock area has a rich folklore with many hauntingly gothic-style legends such as Lady Howard’s Ghost, the Gubbinesses and the Blessed Grimbald’s Tower, and this new celebration aims to promote writing, film, drama and art activities, with a number of ‘gothic’ competitions in the run-up to the festival. A selection of monologue entries will then be performed at the festival with the help of Tavistock Edge. So if you have a gothic story to tell, get writing before the closing date on 31 May 2019; cash prizes will be presented during the festival. Further details can be found at www. myfanwycook.com or at Tavistock Library or by contacting aaron.wilkins@librariesunlimited.org.uk or myfanwyc@ btinternet.com. Competition categories ‘in the gothic tradition’ comprise:
Tavistock Edge, photo and costumes by Alison Wright
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Monologue: based on ‘real’ or ‘fictional’ characters Poetry: incorporating folklore and myth
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Flash Fiction Story: incorporating folklore and myth
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Short Story: incorporating folklore and myth
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Short Film: storyline incorporating folklore and myth is much more important than gore, blood and violence
Rotary Round-up The winter is a quieter time for the club, giving us time to plan for future events. Every year towards the end of January the Rotary Club holds a poetry evening, this year at The Bedford Hotel - this is more fun that it may sound! After an excellent meal, members take turns to recite their favourite poems – ranging from Pam Ayres to Wordsworth. January 12th was Inner Wheel Day and many Rotarians enjoyed a meal at the golf club to celebrate with the Inner Wheel President, Liz Williams, and her members. January also saw the start of the Youth Speaks competition for Junior schools - 14 schools entered with a wide range of topics; the winners of this event represent the area at the district event. Mount Kelly’s headmaster Mark Semmence, a corporate member of the Rotary Club, recently spoke to us about the benefits of
Mount Kelly to Tavistock – he will be missed when he moves on to his new school. As the new year gets underway our thoughts also turn to the new executive officers taking the club forward in 2019/2020. John Hanson will be the new president from June, with David Tout as senior vice president and Nigel Ellis as junior vice president. To find out more about volunteering with, or joining Tavistock Rotary Club contact our membership chair, Catherine Bailey, on catherinebailey945@gmail.com
Charity Lunches
In aid of Devon Air Ambulance Join us at the restaurant throughout February & March, on Fridays & Saturdays, for our charity lunches in aid of Devon Air Ambulance. Prices start at £17.50 per person for two courses. #
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COMMUNITY NEWS
News from BID Tavistock BID hosted a very varied programme of events for the Winter Festival, attracting many visitors to Tavistock, and a successful Dickensian Evening saw improved sales for many BID levy payers. BID is now working on planning an exciting and engaging series of events throughout the first part of 2019. In February half-term, the BID team is organising craft workshops and a ‘Games on the Square’ day. In March, we intend to paint the town in a blaze of colour! Local businesses, in conjunction with local primary schools, will create bright and wonderful displays, which will be revealed in the windows of many local businesses on Saturday 16th March. The
following Saturday will see the BID launch a brand new and egg-citing town hunt for adults and children from 23rd March to 22nd April. As well as all this, Tavistock BID is supporting our community gardeners in their Britain in Bloom entry, with judging in early July. We are also working hard to promote our beautiful town by putting together a series of leaflets for the Visitor Information Centre on things to do in Tavistock, improving the Visit-Tavistock website, looking into new promotional ideas for the town’s businesses and increasing coach visitors with new itineraries. For more details on future town events see www.visit-tavistock.co.uk.
A blooming great success When I was invited to become the chair of Tavistock Community Sensory Garden early last year, I had no idea what a fantastic year it would be. Foolishly, I thought all the hard work had been done. Not a bit of it – the team is always looking forward, so 2018 was a blur of fantastic activity. We held our first Summer Garden Party in the unbelievable heat of summer, launching our ‘Friends of the Sensory Garden’ scheme and announcing the wonderful news about the £25,000 grant from Churchill Retirement Homes. But not many people realise how close we came to losing much of the garden during that heatwave. If not for the Bowls Club letting us use their water supply, it could have been a disaster – but they did, and it wasn’t! - and for the second year running, we were awarded ‘outstanding’ status by Britain in Bloom, with the judge referring to it as a ‘garden for life’, a title we have proudly adopted as our motto! Autumn and winter brought no slowdown, as we launched a range of greeting cards and branded shopping bags to raise funds to maintain the garden. Carols in the Garden, led by the Tavistock Edge singers was a huge success - again rescued
from the weather by our friends at the Bowls Club. In 2019, with the help of the town council, we’re applying for full charitable status, taking on responsibility for the rose walk, extending the woodland walk, installing a proper water supply and resurfacing the petanque court. For details about the Sensory Garden or to become a Friend, contact info_tcsg@ btinternet.com or ring Graham on 07545 075942. Graham Parker Chair of the Tavistock Community Sensory Garden Trust
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Radio Walkham In just over a year, Radio Walkham has metamorphosed from broadcasting two evenings a week in a presenter’s kitchen to a professional radio station with an impressive weekly programme, including a regular breakfast show, sports programme and a full spectrum of music for all tastes including rock & roll, 70s, 80s, dancefloor smashers, hardcore trance & house, blues, the latest releases and ‘The Rich Pickings Show’ - the only south west programme focusing on local music. Paul ‘Taffy’ Hillier moved to Horrabridge at the end of 2016, quickly settling into the local community. With eight years of experience as a local radio presenter in South Wales for Radio Tircoed, he was keen to set up a small radio station for the West Devon community. His smooth, entertaining presenter’s patter soon had listeners tuning in, while a steady stream of aspiring presenters got in touch, eager to come on board. Paul admits to being slightly addicted to Radio Walkham and even though he has recently gifted the radio station to the community, he still plays a major role in keeping it on air. I went along to meet both him and Mel Gregory, vice-chair of the new Radio Walkham committee, at their base above The London Inn in Horrabridge - courtesy of the landlord Mike Huda, who also provides Radio Walkham with free electricity and broadband. After a quick chat, Paul ushered me into the ‘chair’ and I got the same treatment as would-be presenters, suddenly finding myself reading the weather live! Run by an eclectic mix of presenters, ranging from 18 to 70-years-old, this group of fun-loving but passionate people have built a polished radio station, broadcasting from five separate locations with 3500 regular listeners every month, including expats around the world, who send in a constant
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
stream of chat, local news and events to the Facebook page. The radio station is also keen to encourage local artists, with musicians and singers frequently playing live in the studio as well as performing at the innovative Party in the Park days held last summer. Last year Paul also took OB1, the Radio Walkham ‘outside broadcasting unit’ transformed from a £180-caravan, to H Fest in Exmouth, to broadcast the charity music festival live. The station is also supporting local residents Barry Gray in the Challenge Antartica project, and Lee Spencer, The Rowing Marine. Rosemary Best
Why not tune in for a listen from 7am to 11pm - just search radiowalkham.net and click on the link or download the TuneIn app. Radio Walkham is always keen to hear from singers and musicians, or potential presenters, so if you think you might have what it takes get in touch on the website contact page or 07925 073602.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Prevention is better than cure! One of the joys of being involved in the veterinary care world now, is how much the focus of our care has moved from reactionary to preventative care, meaning that as a profession we are more equipped with both education and medication to help owners keep their pets healthy. Alongside the yearly health checks and vaccinations with the veterinary surgeon, the trained veterinary nursing team are also equipped to run clinics, offer advice and checks to help you and your pet throughout their life, and live a life aided by preventative healthcare rather than reactionary treatment. This care starts from a young age. A puppy or kitten brings joy, energy and love into your home but can also bring worms, fleas and disease if not lucky enough to have been born to a conscientious breeder. Not only do most practices offer vaccinations and a full health check with a vet but our nurses back this care up with free puppy and kitten clinics, puppy parties and adolescent checks, where they can give you advice on weight, socialisation, diet and exercise. Getting
the behaviour training right with your new pet has a lifelong impact and getting the exercise levels correct assists with reducing or preventing future problems with joint disease as well as with mental health. A correctly balanced diet is very important in these fast-growing babies to ensure a healthy adult. Yearly vaccinations with a vet also include a full health check which is an excellent time to pick up other underlying problems which may have developed over the year and to discuss preventative worming and flea control. Nurses and vets are there to offer support throughout your pets’ life from puppy to old age. Recently there have been a number of new products for the prevention of worms and fleas and this can be confusing, but your vet practice is the best place to discuss the correct options for your pet. We look forward to seeing you in 2019 Jo Godfrey - Head Nurse, Drake Vets
The only independent small animal practice in the Yelverton/Tavistock area. We provide individually tailored health packages for your pet for routine treatments such as vaccination and worm and flea/tick prevention. Please contact the surgery for more details.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Council supports essential home repairs West Devon Borough Council has a loan scheme, enabling homeowners to fund essential home repairs, keeping people warm, safe and dry in their homes. A variety of works can be considered such as roof and thatch repairs, boiler and other heating system replacement or installation, replacing rotten or draughty windows, structural repairs or electrical or plumbing work to name a few. The scheme has been set up to enable eligible homeowners to choose their own contractor and there are a variety of loan products available to suit individual needs and means. The scheme is delivered through Wessex Resolutions CIC, a not-for-profit, responsible finance provider, in close partnership with the council. The partnership has been running for nearly ten years across West Devon and has helped a huge variety of homeowners. By providing loans, the council is ensuring funds for homeowners are sustainable, meaning that every repayment goes back into the council pot to lend to homeowners in the future. A loan funded by the council can help spread the cost of home repairs but let you
enjoy the benefit right away. For more information, call Wessex Resolutions direct on 01823 461099, visit www.wessexresolutions.org.uk or email enquiries@wrcic.org.uk Loans have a fixed interest rate and typical 4.2% APR and are subject to status. Missing future payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Wessex Resolutions CIC may insist on loans being protected at the Land Registry by a Title Restriction. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Loans and Wessex Home Improvement Loans are trading names used by this company. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit and debt-related regulated activities.
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TRADE SECRETS
TRADE SECRETS Linda Walker A Scent-Sation TRADE: FLORIST Why did you become a florist? I have always loved flowers. My father was a keen gardener and I spent hours helping him as a child, as well as often ‘just looking for my mother’s birthday present’ in the local florist’s shop in Barnet. When I was ten, my entry in a local flower festival was awarded ‘highly commended’ and I already knew I wanted to work with flowers. How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need to become a florist? You can work as a florist without qualifications but by the time I was 15 I had a six-month apprenticeship with a florist. After that I spent three years studying for a City and Guilds in floristry at college, followed by a further three years of training with the Society of Floristry, before becoming a judge for the Interflora floristry competitions. What is it like owning your own business? Interesting! I cover the whole concept from choosing flowers, discussing individual requirements for weddings, bouquets, and making up the arrangements. I even offer home visits
to discuss floral arrangements with the bereaved and for events. Who else works with you? I have a fab driver Steve, who always makes sure flowers arrive in perfect condition. Plus, at busy times, the whole family is roped in: my daughter mans the phone, my husband does deliveries, my son and sister help in the shop. What is involved in being a florist? How does your day usually unfold? Floristry is hard work – the glamorous bit is the end result! I always enjoy walking into the shop though. Then I change the display stands and start work on the day’s orders. I buy flowers from various suppliers, for the following day’s requirements, as well as constantly selecting different flowers for the display mix. I especially like the most demanding times of year: for Christmas I made up 200 wreaths, for Valentine’s Day and Mothers’ Day I’ll make up dozens of bouquets in advance
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
as well as bespoke orders. I enjoy going the extra mile and serve people right up to closing time or when I’ve run out of flowers! What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career? You need an aptitude for understanding customers’ needs, as professional customer service is paramount. Everyone is looking for something different and you need to be able to translate their requirements into a floral arrangement, whether it is for a wedding, a celebration or a funeral. What is the best thing about your job? The flowers, the customers and the challenge! I thrive on meeting customers and I love working with flowers to create bespoke designs - it makes it all worthwhile when customers are delighted with my work. For workshop details please check the website or shop window.
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EDUCATION
Citizens Advice Devon Training on Benefits Thousands of people in Devon have been or will be affected by changes to the benefit system including changes to disability benefits, support for housing costs and council tax and the introduction of universal credit. This new benefit replaces six existing benefits for people on low incomes and is the most significant change to the benefit system since the introduction of the welfare state in 1948. It is being rolled out in Devon on a phased basis from 2018 onwards and the changes will affect one in four families.
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Universal credit and housing costs
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Challenging benefit decisions
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with further training being planned from April onwards.
Local organisations that support people likely to be affected by these changes – which includes disabled people, young people, older people, families with children, people in low paid employment as well those who are unemployed – can book on to our training to keep up to date with the changes and find out what it means for the people you support. You will learn how to help people get the benefits they are entitled to, how to avoid the pitfalls and how to get help to resolve more complex issues.
The cost for a full day’s training is from only £50 per person plus a small booking fee. If a lot of people in your organisation need to be trained, it can be more cost-effective to arrange a bespoke course tailored to your specific needs at a venue of your choice. Our training is now delivered in partnership with Devon Communities Together through the Devon Community Learning Academy and may be booked via the Devon Communities Together website. You can also contact info@ devoncommunities.org.uk to request notifications of new courses as they are added or to discuss your requirements if you would like bespoke training. If you are interested in volunteering and actively providing advice to local people please visit your local office: www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk/ offices
We are running a series of training courses until March 2019 on the following topics:
For more information on Universal Credit see: www. citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit
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Benefits overview
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Benefits for older people
Or for any issues, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk, call Adviceline on 03444 111 444, or pop into your local office.
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Introduction to universal credit
family adventures
tree surfing archery canoeing café mountain biking family trails
tamartrails.co.uk 01822 833409 10 minutes from Tavistock 14
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KIDS WHAT’S ON KIDS WHAT’S ON
BUCKLAND ABBEY HALF TERM FUN AT BUCKLAND Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th February, 10am – 4pm. Join the team at Buckland for a variety of fun activities including trails around the estate.
BURRATOR HOLIDAY FAMILY DAYS Wednesday 20th February, 10am-3pm Each activity day involves a themed nature trail, woodwork, environmental art and outdoor cooking in and around the Burrator Discovery Centre. Please wear outdoor clothing and footwear. £3 per child, £2 per adult (cash only). For more information call 01822 855700 or email heritage@ swlakestrust.org.uk. FAMILY WILDLIFE WATCH Sunday 24th February, Sunday 31 March, 10.30am-12.30pm Take part in a range of wildlife and heritage themed activities followed by hot chocolate and biscuits. Meet at Burrator Discovery Centre (unless alternative advertised). Please wear outdoor clothing and footwear. £3 per child, £2 per adult (cash only) For more information call 01822 855700 or email heritage@swlakestrust. org.uk.
COTEHELE HALF-TERM TRAIL AT COTEHELE Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th February, 11am-3pm. Wrap up warm and get out
and about on the Cotehele estate on this fun free trail. Free but normal admission charges apply
explorer badge. Free but normal admission charges apply.
BUSHCRAFT FOR KIDS
Monday 18th February, Saturday 23rd March 12pm-2pm . Learn how to light a fire without matches, and then mix up some tasty dough to cook on a stick over the campfire. £2.50 per person. Booking advisable on 01822 820320.
Monday 18th to Wednesday 20th February, 10am -12pm and 1.30pm - 3.30pm For ages 7-15; build a shelter, light a controlled fire and learn survival skills in the wild. £6, booking advisable on 01579 351346, press 0. Unfortunately, dogs are not welcome. This activity is run by Jack at Serious Outdoor Skills: www. seriousoutdoorskills.co.uk
LYDFORD GORGE BUILD A BIRD BOX Saturday 16th February, 12pm-3pm Come to Lydford Gorge to make your own bird box, materials and guidance provided by the ranger team. Make the bird box as a family or make one individually - they can be tailored to suit a variety of different garden birds. Children can earn a sticker for their 50 Things booklet when they make a home for a wild animal. £6 per box. Booking advisable on 01822 820320. SENSORY EXPLORER TRAIL Saturday 16th February to Sunday 24th February, 11am-2.30pm. Are you up for exploring both Finch Foundry and Lydford Gorge with all five senses? Pick up an explorer sheet and tick off textures, sounds, sights, smells and tastes to collect a sticker at both sites and win your sensory
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BUG HOME MAKING Wednesday 22nd February, 11.30am1.30pm. Construct a home for all sorts of creepy crawlies and tick off one of the 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. £2 per person. Booking advisable on 01822 820320.
THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH HORRIBLE HISTORIES: AWFUL EGYPTIANS/TERRIBLE TUDORS Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd February, Various Times Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips! Booking advisable on 01752 267222 or at www.theatreroyal.com Compiled by Rebecca Martin, Dartmoor National Park Authority visitor services manager and Visit Dartmoor ambassador
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LOCAL PEOPLE
Telling stories without words Tommy Hatwell is the professional photographer responsible for some of the magazine’s recent great cover shots, but he originally qualified as a watersports instructor and started out on life armed simply with a keen sense of adventure and a love of travel. Tommy grew up in the Tavistock area and despite travelling far and wide across the globe he has always been drawn back to Devon. At Tavistock College he developed an interest in leisure and tourism and went on to study it at Duchy College, before being poached for the Adventure Activity Instructor course where he discovered a natural talent for kayaking. Qualified with a 5-star kayaking personal proficiency award and coaching level 4, he took a job as a river guide in the French Alps. The experience inspired him to get involved in filming a DVD kayaking guide for the area, as well as meeting several lifelong friends. The job also gave him the chance to amass £800, which was speedily invested in a ticket to Zambia, fulfilling an ambition to kayak the spectacular white-water of the Zambezi River. From Zambia he moved on to Morocco, alerted by a friend to a vacancy at a global rafting company. Tommy was flung in at the deep end and quickly had to get to grips with driving and river guiding in unfamiliar terrain, as well as taking videos and still photos of
the participants – a 6-week ‘character building’ season. Having stepped out of his comfort zone, these experiences initiated a 15-year globe-trotting existence, punctuated by the odd stopover in the UK when Tommy would put his ‘3-week plan’ into action to catch up with friends, find a job and earn some money before heading off to the next faraway destination. In 2008 he made his first trip to Uganda to kayak the world-famous Nile Special Wave, which has now disappeared in the aftermath of a new hydroelectric dam. The following year Tommy returned to Uganda, but this time his main purpose was to reconnect with some of the amazing people he had met on his previous trip. Following a season in Croatia working on a moored superyacht, Tommy planned a trip to New Zealand, intending to spend his time kayaking and photographing. He bought a van and travelled the South Island with a kayaking friend, unfortunately
encountering one of his few negative travel experiences when the van was broken into and all his kit was stolen. Although the kit was later returned, Tommy’s interest in photography was now building and kayaking was less of a draw. Ending up in Paihia on the North Island he got by with bar and hotel work until he managed to wangle a job on a boat photographing customers and local wildlife. One trip changed everything happening to be in the right place at the right time he took an incredible photo of a killer whale leaping out of the water. He realised he needed to learn to take photos properly and in Queenstown for the winter, he took the gritty decision to spend his savings on a photography course with acclaimed photographers Jackie Ranken and Mike Langford, rather than a bungee jump. The six hours were motivational and photography was never the same from that day. Tommy watched hours of YouTube videos and kept clicking away, gradually honing his photographic skills through a period working in retail in Bristol
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LOCAL PEOPLE
Night School
and a stint working bar jobs in Australia. It was during a moped trip through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand that he unconsciously started taking portraits and despite the wonderful sights around him it was the connections with the local people that stayed with him, emboldening him to buy a high quality lens. In 2014 he decided to take a photographic degree in the UK, and although he benefitted from learning the theory, it left him wanting much more. He pulled the funds together to travel to India and Morocco building relationships and capturing images of the local people. In 2017 he went to Uganda again for his final year project, investing more of his hard-earned cash in specialist equipment. He spent five
weeks living in the same village he had visited before, working for SOUL foundation (Supporting Opportunities for Ugandans to Learn). It was there he created ‘Night School’ which was selected from 6000 images for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize exhibition in the London National Portrait Gallery. Tommy is now a commercial photographer and his future plans include sharing his experiences with photographic students on organised trips to exotic places. Portraits are still his passion though and the wonderful connections he has made with people are the key to the stories told by his photographs. Rosemary Best
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LOCAL PEOPLE
The voice for cancer patients Described by her colleagues as ‘the voice for cancer services and cancer patients in the region’, Sian Dennison talks about her amazing 30-year career and her recent national award. In July this year, in recognition of her positive, caring approach and enabling a progressive culture within her team, Sian was awarded the ‘Excellence in Cancer Care Award’ at the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards held in celebration of the 70th birthday of the NHS. The Health Select Committee tasked the nation’s MPs with finding and nominating those individuals or teams they thought had made the biggest improvements to health services in their constituencies. Sian’s name was put forward to local Plymouth MPs by her nursing team, the deputy director of nursing and the chief executive of University Hospitals Plymouth. She went on to win the regional award, out of more than 750 nominations, before being announced the overall winner in her category at a prestigious ceremony in London. Delighted to receive her award, Sian said: “It’s not just about me. To me, this award is about the team I work with … their passion, dedication and their support to improve patient care and make a difference.” Sian has been nursing for over 30 years and is currently head of nursing (cancer and end-of-life) at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Her achievements during her 24 years at Derriford Hospital are simply staggering. One major project, led by Sian and funded by the Hospital Trust Charity and the Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund, of which Sian is vicechair, was the sympathetic refurbishment of several end-of-life rooms in Derriford Hospital, to enable terminally ill patients to be as peaceful and comfortable as possible. This included making the rooms less clinical by introducing softer lighting
and pastel colours, and more relaxing chairs for carers. Sian has also established several cancer patient support groups and has effectively led her team to enable these groups to develop. As part of an end-of-life project, the nursing team and the hospital pastoral team together founded ‘Pastoral Friends’, a group of dedicated volunteers who spend treasured time with patients at the end of their life, but who also provide important pastoral support to nursing staff. Perhaps the most significant achievement is that of creating development posts for nurses to specialise in cancer nursing, and together with her team, Sian has developed a course with the University of Plymouth, so that instead of having to go to Bristol to study, nurses can now study locally. Welsh-born Sian began her nursing training in Gloucester in 1981, then after a couple of years’ travelling around Australasia, she worked for a while as a cancer nurse in Australia. On returning home to Wales, she trained further and then moved to London to study oncology at the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she also attained a master’s degree in cancer nursing. In 1994, she relocated to Plymouth, taking a job as a cancer nurse specialist in Freedom Fields Hospital, where she was one of the first two cancer nurse specialists within
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LOCAL PEOPLE
the trust (there are now over 30), supporting patients along their journey. She later became the lead in cancer nursing in the trust and also worked for the primary care trust for four years before becoming the trust cancer services manager and head of cancer and end-of-life care at Derriford. Sian loves her job as it is varied and enjoyable, sometimes sad but very rewarding. For her, it is the building of relationships that is so special, and helping, being kind and listening are what makes a real difference to someone. Sian has also shown great courage in her fundraising efforts over the years and her achievements know no bounds – she climbed the Matterhorn to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and for MacMillan Cancer Support she almost made it to the top of Mont Blanc and took part in the London Marathon! Two years ago, she joined the Tamar and Tavy Gig Club, never having sat in a boat before, and now trains
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
weekly and has competed in the Isles of Scilly World Pilot Gig Championships. She has lived in Tavistock for 20 years and says she loves living so close to the moor where she can exercise her dog and enjoy the outdoors - a great way to relax after a busy day at work. Kaye Rogers
19
CHARITY FOCUS
Tavistock Taskforce CIC Tavistock Taskforce is a Community Interest Company run for volunteers with an interest in working to enhance the countryside, and also provides work opportunities for those with learning difficulties, the unemployed and the socially excluded. Working mainly for major organisations, including Historic England, English Nature, National Trust, Dartmoor National Park and Cormac, but also for local district and parish councils, Tavistock Taskforce is self-funding through the nature conservation work it does. The tasks undertaken include maintaining sites of historic interest, habitat restoration, tree and hedge planting, woodland management, footpath clearing, dry-stone walling and fencing. Members also work for local schools and churches, small charities and community gardens, doing ground maintenance and, during the summer months, they are kept busy making sure that Dartmoor’s car parks are clean and tidy. Generally, they only work four days a week, Friday being reserved for an ‘office day’, and are happy to travel to jobs within an hour’s drive of Tavistock, mainly covering South East Cornwall and Dartmoor National Park. Their treasured minibus has become essential for transporting volunteers and all the necessary tools and kit. Taskforce has undertaken some important and exciting archaeological restoration work, including repairing a section of ground at Plympton Castle motte which had been worn away by visitors. For this, they had to lay 14 tonnes of shillet in over 500 sandbags, cover them with soil and seed the ground. One of the larger projects has been their two-year-long preservation work on the tramway on Dartmoor
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(known as Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway), where they have uncovered over 200 of the original granite sleepers at Clearbook, part of the 25-mile stretch of track. The volunteers are currently working on rebuilding a three-mile section of stone-faced deer park walls at Cann Woods, dating from 1699. Director, Peter O’Dell, was instrumental in setting up the Taskforce in 2006 with Geri Laithwaite, who has a great deal of past experience working with charities and now handles all of their administration. Peter has always had an active interest in nature conservation and volunteered for many years as a group leader with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) in the UK and Germany. After serving in the Merchant Navy, he went to Plymouth Polytechnic to do a degree in environmental science and then completed a one-year post-graduate course in countryside management in Bangor, North Wales. His first job was as a ranger in a country park in east London, where he helped to revive an old bluebell wood. He later moved back to Devon and worked as a selfemployed landscape gardener before becoming the assistant ranger for the South West Lakes Trust at Burrator Reservoir. It was here that Peter began helping out with a local volunteer conservation group, working with disadvantaged people. The group sadly folded, but the volunteers and their clients were keen for their work to continue and so, with the support of a
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CHARITY FOCUS
start-up enterprise in Plymouth, a borrowed £1000, a £500 minibus and a set of tools, Tavistock Taskforce was born. At the end of 2017, the group moved to new premises, which needed extensive renovation to be suitable for their purposes. This, naturally, required substantial funding. As luck would have it, one of the volunteers, Roger Edmunds, had the perfect skill set for the job. With a background working for the Department for International Development, he was used to applying for finance and after successfully submitting a bid to The National Lottery for a grant, they received a substantial cheque, for which they are extremely grateful. There are currently 25 volunteers at Taskforce, some of whom either have learning difficulties, are in ‘independent living’, are unable to work, or who are required to do communitybased work. Some volunteers are referred by social workers or unemployment agencies; some come from Duchy College; others approach Taskforce independently. Peter describes them as all being very dedicated and bringing different skills to their work and Taskforce offers them appropriate training, including health and safety, first aid, and chainsaw handling. Some volunteers eventually move on to gainful employment, which gives Peter a great sense of satisfaction, knowing that
the organisation has had a real impact on their life. One such volunteer discovered by chance that he loved working with people with learning difficulties and went on to work at the Molly Owen Centre. Peter says that the work the volunteers do, has a tangible outcome, a sense of achievement and enjoyment, and provides them with new skills, as well as the benefits of physical exercise. Perhaps most importantly for them, it creates a social bond: a camaraderie. If you can offer work opportunities or would like to volunteer, or for more information, please contact tavy.taskforce@ btconnect.com or telephone Peter O’Dell on 01822 610071. Kaye Rogers
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Falls in the elderly Falls are a much more common occurrence than any of us might think, affecting one-third of people over 65 living in their own homes each year. Yet falls should NOT be seen as a normal part of aging, to be accepted as inevitable and ignored if possible. We can all fall, at any age, but as we get older we naturally get closer to the ‘fall threshold’; however it always takes something else to push us over that threshold. So, in the event of a fall we should be focussing not on the age of the person, but on what happened – on this day, to this person that made them fall. The reasons for falls are varied. Some are serious, for example arrhythmias of the heart. Some are acts of god, for example a tearaway poodle or a freak gust of wind. Whatever the events, a fall should always prompt examination of the reasons, and an attempt should be made to reduce the chance of something similar happening again. Falls in the older population have the potential to have much more impact than if a younger person trips over the runaway poodle. Greater rates of osteoporosis (thin bones) mean fractures are more likely, and arthritis and weaker muscles mean ‘saving’ mechanisms are less effective. Half of older people who fall are unable to get back up without assistance and being stranded on the floor for some time can lead to significant injury. An important consequence, and one not as immediately obvious perhaps as broken bones and cuts, is a loss of confidence. Overnight a person’s world can suddenly shrink with all that hard-won lifetime’s independence destroyed. Pavements and steps become something to be avoided, and shopping trips out alone now seemingly impossible. If you, or a relative has a fall, the reasons for that fall should be assessed, as these events could be a warning sign of underlying illness. Clearly if significant injury has occurred, this will happen in the emergency department, but even if recovery is swift and no immediate help is required, a routine appointment with your GP to discuss the events of the fall could be useful. Your GP will try to establish the balance of causes. Was it something medical, like reduced sensation due to diabetes or poor eyesight causing a tip over a carpet edge? Was it something in the environment like steep steps into the house that should have grab rails fitted or poor lighting in a hallway? Or was it an event like taking two blood pressure tablets that morning by mistake? Often discussing events, a basic examination and medication review is all that is required. Sometimes further tests can help, for example blood tests or an ECG (tracing of the heart), and occasionally referral to specialist services is required.
done of course as we get older, but we should all be thinking about this while we are still young-ish. •
Here are some prevention ideas that we know can reduce the risk of falls:
•
Regular medication reviews – many medicines such as sleeping tablets greatly increase the risk of falling, especially as we get older.
•
Regular vision checks and wearing the correct glasses.
•
Thinking about simple things such as choosing wellfitting slippers or putting the light on when going to the loo at night.
•
Fall-proofing your home, for example getting the lighting right, removing trip hazards and installing grab rails.
•
Keeping joints, bones and muscles strong with a good diet and plenty of regular physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activities
•
Improving balance with yoga and tai chi or specialised balance fitness classes.
If you are getting older or you have an elderly relative there are some great resources about how to prevent falls at the following sites: Saga.co.uk/falls; Ageuk.org.uk/falls A huge thanks to Amanda who gave me the idea for this article. She works for the falls clinic and is passionate about her work but would happily put herself out of a job by getting everyone to do tai chi and help to prevent falls.
Dr Jo Coldron Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock
As GPs we normally see people after a fall. Much better than assessing and treating falls after they’ve happened, would be the prevention of falls in the first place. This can and should be 23
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Worried about the risk of falling? It is reported that up to 30% of older people may fall in a year. Up to one in five falls can lead to medical attention being required, though less than one in ten results in a fracture. However, there is good news! There is strong researchbased evidence that specific exercises designed to improve your muscle strength and postural control, particularly when enjoyed in a group setting and done on a regular basis, are very effective at reducing your risk of a fall. At our ‘Balance and Mobility’ classes which are chartered physiotherapist led, and run twice weekly, we assess your movement and ensure your exercises are being done correctly, as well as providing you with home exercises to do between classes. In addition to improving your balance and strength, should you unfortunately have a fall at home, we provide training on how to get yourself up from the floor. Also, our physiotherapists can help you think about the provision of compensatory strategies, if needed. This all helps to maintain independent living and confidence to go about your normal life. Remember it is always easier to maintain than restore, so start your falls prevention exercises early! Modern living has many benefits; however, some features of modern life, such as excessive time spent sitting, can over many years, gradually, almost imperceptibly affect our bodies, resulting in reduced mobility, poorer balance and weaker muscles. It is no surprise that these changes have been shown to make us more at risk of a fall, as can poor vision and dementia. Our early ancestors abandoned the stability offered by moving with the use of all four limbs. While offering us some advantages, the act of remaining upright while on the move, is only achieved through complex interactions between several areas of our body. We use our vision to see our environment and any changes to it. We need our proprioceptive sense, which enables our body
to know exactly where it is in space and works our reflexes to react to unexpected changes, such as that step you didn’t see. We rely on our vestibular system (inner ear) to give us our sense of balance and spatial awareness, so we can coordinate movement safely. Finally, the strength in our muscles creates the movements required to react effectively to these senses. This allows us to work the correct muscles at the right time with appropriate force, to complete tasks such as walking, climbing the stairs and even just standing. Our muscles are constantly adjusting, to prevent us from falling over. They give us what we call ‘postural control’, which is the combined effect of our gait, balance, functional tasks, strength, flexibility and endurance. If you would like more information about our Falls Prevention Services, please contact Tavistock Physio Clinics on 01822 617722 or visit www.tavistockphysio.co.uk Gillespie LD, Robertson MC, Gillespie WJ, Sherrington C, Gates S, Clemson LM, Lamb SE. (2012) Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD007146. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD007146.pub3. Sherrington C, Tiedemann A (2015) Physiotherapy in the prevention of falls in older people. Journal of Physiotherapy 61: 54–60
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GARDENING
Water-wise gardening At times of plentiful rain, we don’t think about water shortages, but with memories of last summer’s lack of rain, it makes more sense than ever to become a water-wise gardener now. Financially, you’ll save money if on a water meter; looking at the bigger environmental picture, it reduces use of a valuable resource; and time-wise, you won’t spend hours attached to the business end of a hose pipe. For gardens with free-draining soil or in raised beds and containers, choose plants that are naturally tolerant of drought and your garden will look fantastic even when there’s no rain for weeks on end. Plants have evolved to deal with lack of water in a variety of
ways, like thick, waxy foliage; leaves that are narrow and needle-like or covered in fine hairs; or silvery and lightreflecting. Some plants contain essential oils which evaporate as protection from fierce summer sun, like cistus, rosemary and lavender, creating the gorgeous fragrance of the Mediterranean maquis. Plan your plantings with a blend of foliage and flowers: create the ‘bones’ of a garden with strong structural foliage such as elaeagnus, bay, rosemary, myrtle and box, which look good all year and make a beautiful contrast to colourful flowers. On the patio, improve drought tolerance by planting in large pots (small ones dry out incredibly fast) and group containers close together so they shade each other. As climate change takes hold, drought interspersed with heavy rain is likely to become a frequent occurrence, which has led to an upsurge of interest in ‘rain
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gardens’. Designed to gather and reuse every drop that falls, this type of garden incorporates features such as green roofs to minimise runoff; rainwater storage and reuse systems; permeable paving; and low-lying ‘swales’ or waterholding planted areas that are intended to be seasonally dry, along with permanent pools. Planning for extremes means you have a much better chance of being able to sit back and enjoy your summer garden, rather than being a slave to the watering can. You can’t beat getting nature on your side.
Seasonal jobs Deciduous ornamental grasses keep their structure for the first half of winter but are now looking distinctly tatty. Cut back almost to ground level and, if plants have formed large clumps, make a note to divide come April. Sowing the first seeds is one of the most cheering milestones of the season, meaning spring is on its way. In an unheated greenhouse, polytunnel or cold frame, sow hardy veg like leeks, Swiss chard, beetroot, winter lettuce and salad leaves, in modular trays for easy transplanting. Outside, plant garlic, onion sets and shallots. Plant with the tips just below the soil so there’s less likelihood of birds hoicking them out again.
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Looking good Winter-blooming shrubs with fragrant flowers are a real delight of the season, sending out wafts of perfume to cheer the dullest of days. Amongst my favourites are Daphne odora, Lonicera fragrantissima, sweet box (Sarcococca) and Viburnum bodnantense. Evergreen shrubs really come into their own in the second half of winter. While variegated and coloured foliage adds extra interest, the lustre of green leaves alone is beautifully structural. As well as shrubs and conifers, there are ‘wintergreen’ perennials and ferns like Sisyrinchium striatrum and hart’s tongue fern that form low-growing clumps of foliage. Many of the South West’s gardens are famous for spring-blooming ericaceous (lime-hating) plants, which start their magnificent pageant of bloom in late winter with shrubs including pieris, camellias, and the earliest rhodendrons.
Favourite plant Many Hellebore species and hybrids bloom in late winter and these (mainly) easy and shade-tolerant perennials are
ideal to bring colour to awkward spots under shrubs and trees, or to interplant between larger plants in borders. They’ll often self-seed too, so you can eventually create carpets of colour for no extra cost. And the blooms are an excellent source of food for bees and other insects emerging early from hibernation.
Sue’s top tips Thrifty: Set up water butts (or any other large container) to collect rain water – better for your plants and reduces your water bill. South West Water offers a variety of keenly priced butts and accessories: www. savewatersavemoney.co.uk Wildlife: Birds need a source of fresh
water all year round: for drinking, and to keep their feathers clean and weatherproof. Any container like a large pot, saucer or an upturned dustbin lid will do – doesn’t have to be a smart bird bath. Do change the water every couple
of days and scrub it out with plain hot water (no detergents) once a week, to avoid spreading disease.
‘Green’: If you garden on a slope (pretty common, as Devon isn’t renowned for being flat), design your garden to conserve topsoil in heavy rain. Cover sloping ground with a tapestry of ground cover plants, and terrace steep slopes into beds – slightly lower at the back than the front, so water is held and seeps through the soil. Time saving: Set up an irrigation system for pots, window boxes, and particularly hanging baskets which dry out super-fast in hot weather. There’s a good range of watering kits for patios, plus you can add a timer to make your system fully automatic. Sue Fisher is a garden designer and writer based on the Bere Peninsula: Tel 01822 841895, Email suefisher@talktalk. net, website and gardening blog: www. suefishergardens.co.uk
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GARDENING
Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 March
Tuesday 19 March
RHS Rosemoor Spring Flower Festival
Spring Community Free Day
Focusing on camellias, early magnolias and rhododendrons, in addition to the RHS early camellia competition, the festival will also include classes for ornamental shrubs and a Rosemoor daffodil and RHS hyacinth competition too. Come and view the exquisite displays of top-quality blooms from competitors all over the South West and beyond. There will be trade and advice stands plus a superb range of early spring shrubs and flowering plants available to buy in the plant centre. The competitions are entirely free to enter and open to anyone who wishes to exhibit. Entry forms are available from georginabarter@rhs.org.uk or download them from the RHS website.
Take this opportunity to visit Rosemoor’s inspirational 65-acre garden for free today. Enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the garden in the springtime as golden drifts of daffodils and spring bulbs carpet the meadows. Discover the advantages of becoming a member of the RHS and find out what exciting events are planned for the year. Already a member? Then why not bring your friends or relatives to discover the benefits of RHS membership. Get to know your RHS and meet some of our horticultural apprentices, students and volunteers and find out how they make a difference to the RHS, Britain’s leading gardening charity. Tuesday 10am - 5pm, free admission to the garden available if free tickets booked in advance online.
Saturday 11.30am – 4pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm, The Garden Room, normal garden admission applies.
Winter Sculpture Exhibition until 24 February Snowdrop Weekend 2 & 3 February
Spring in bloom
Eco Super Heroes, Half Term Family Fun 16 – 24 February Spring Flower Festival 16 & 17 March South West Alpine Garden Society Show 23 March
Visit us as Rosemoor bursts into a riot of colour Great Torrington, Devon 01805 624067 For tickets and promotions rhs.org.uk/rosemoor Every visit helps support the charitable work of the RHS RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
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FARMING DIARY
Swaling on Dartmoor Hill farmers have for generations been custodians of our beautiful upland landscapes and have shaped, managed and maintained it for thousands of years using very simple traditional practices. Grazing livestock, herds of cattle and ponies, and flocks of sheep have grazed this landscape and shaped the ecology; they also keep the amazing archaeology, geology and landscapes exposed and visible so it can still be seen and enjoyed, whilst breaking up the vegetation so the moors are accessible. As a result of the wide-ranging grazing where animals can roam free and select where and what they want to eat, sometimes the vegetation which is less palatable gets overgrown and woody, and at certain times of the year can get very dry and burn very easily. So, during the winter and early spring, if we get a dry spell, farmers will selectively swale or burn parts of the moor which have become overgrown. The gorse, heather and long, tussocky molinia grass is very dry and dead through the winter months and burns very easily - this burning clears the dense unpalatable vegetation and the nutrient rich ash then revitalises the soil, feeding new growth. This practice may seem extreme and it certainly looks dramatic; it can also be dangerous if you aren’t very careful and don’t have the experience, training
or equipment to manage a fire safely. However, alongside the grazing animals, burning helps to maintain a healthy ecosystem and allows the mosaic of different heights and types of vegetation which the animals and wildlife thrive on, to exist in balance. If the moorland grazing levels are too low, they can become under-grazed. This not only makes them difficult to access but also susceptible to wild fire where potentially large areas could burn and these large uncontrolled burns are much more detrimental and dangerous to public, livestock and wildlife. But equally if they are over-grazed, the surface of a common and moorland areas can be damaged as the mosaic of habitats is reduced to one intensively grazed area, which is also detrimental to wildlife and can increase erosion.
M.T. ALLEN Groundworks & Plant Services
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So, in short over the past couple of thousand years, upland farmers have cracked it! Trust them to know how to manage the moorlands with the right number and type of livestock to deliver a thriving sustainable moorland which we are all able to enjoy. And when on a dry, early spring day you see the moor on fire - before phoning the fire brigade, just have a look to see if there is some scruffy bloke on a quad with a water pump and tank on his bike or a long stick with a piece of rubber on the end. Generally, most burns on Dartmoor will be controlled swale burns. We are obliged as commoners to notify the fire brigade, Dartmoor National Park, Dartmoor Commoner’s Council and Natural England if we are burning, and rest assured the minute any fire gets out of control we will be calling the fire brigade ourselves. Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm
Once again, we hope to see you all at Greenwell Lambing Live. We will be welcoming schools, colleges, groups, families and all who want to enjoy the magic of spring in our lambing shed! You can contact us at greenwellfarm@ gmail.com or 01822855535. See you there!
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NATURALIST
NATURALIST
What do bats do in winter? In Britain there are 18 species of resident bats, 16 of which occur in Devon; they feed largely on moths, flies, beetles and other flying insects and are mainly active from spring to autumn. However, from late autumn to early spring their food – flying insects – is too scarce to meet their energetic demands of high body temperature and flight, so during winter, bats have to reduce their energy demands. They do this by reducing their body temperature to that of their surroundings, resulting in slower breathing and a lower metabolic rate. In this state, known as ’torpor’, a bat may breathe less than once an hour. Different species of bat choose different winter roost sites. They roost in cool, moist or dry places such as caves, mines, tunnels, cellars, cavity walls and tree cavities; they will also roost in unheated buildings and some roost in bat boxes, or in crevices in rocks or trees. Hibernation lasts from late October through to April, so in autumn bats need to feed a lot in order to build up their fat reserves to last them through the winter. By November most bats are hibernating and starting to use their fat reserves. Later in winter bats may leave the roost on warmer nights to feed and drink. In autumn some species of bat may migrate to hibernate on the continent. During 2018 and for the next two years, Devon Wildlife Trust is running a survey of bats in Devon using bat detectors placed in different locations in the county. Anyone can apply to take part and the detectors pick up bat calls and record them digitally. When the detector is returned to the bat survey workers, the data is analysed and you get a report on which bats are using your garden (or wherever the detector was deployed). I have a small rural garden and took part in the survey last year; during the three nights
it was deployed, the bat detector recorded nine or ten different species of bat. The vast majority of bat contacts were of Common or Soprano pipistrelles, but other bats included Daubenton’s, Noctule, Lesser horseshoe, Long-eared, Serotine and Barbastelle. The bat detection equipment is very easy to use and there are detailed instructions. If you would like to know more about which bats are using your garden (or park, or meadow, etc.), and how many, see Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project – Devon Bat Survey at www.devonbatproject.org and click on ‘Borrow a bat detector’ for further details. It’s free to take part and this year’s bat survey starts again from April onwards. You can also sign up for newsletters with further details of the survey. In recent years, bat numbers have declined for a number of reasons. Some of Devon’s bats, such as the Greater and Lesser horseshoe bats, are rare and the numbers found in Devon are of national importance. I know of at least one house in a nearby village which has a summer (maternity) roost of Lesser horseshoe bats in the garage. Might you be lucky enough to have bats using your house or garden? You may like to know that sharing your home with bats poses no health hazard. They do not build nests, gnaw wood, or chew cables. They are also not blind and will not get tangled in your hair! Anthony John
Photo: Frank Greenaway 33
FEATURE
Trying a different tack Brixham in South Devon is home to the Trinity Sailing Foundation, a remarkable charitable organisation which inspires hundreds of young people every year with hands-on sail training. Experiencing life-changing adventure and challenge at sea has long been recognised as hugely beneficial – the Navy has been doing this for well over a century – but these days there’s no need to sign up to have a taste of life before the mast. The Trinity Foundation runs residential voyages for school groups, individuals, Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions and gold residentials, and young people with additional needs. The fleet comprises three beautifully restored Brixham sailing trawlers: Leader, Provident and Golden Vanity.
time onto the graceful wooden decks of Provident. Built in 1924 at Galmpton on the River Dart as a fishing vessel and first converted for cruising before WW2, she combines the best of old and new: the 2 and 4-berth cabins had the comforts of good mattresses, bedlinen and duvets, and she carries all the modern navigation and safety equipment required by commercial passenger craft, plus a powerful engine,
Trinity also runs separate sailing holidays for adults and the cost helps subsidize the youth trips to make these experiences accessible to all. So mid-September saw me heading to Brixham for a one-week voyage across the Channel and back, on Provident. Setting off on any journey is exciting but heading to the sea brings a hugely special frisson of adventure. Following in the footsteps of countless sailors; hefting a kit bag down to the picturepostcard harbour and stepping back in
Sailing is what these vessels were made for, though, and it’s a glorious way to travel: quiet and environmentally friendly, in tune with the sea around us, while learning the skill of setting sails to make the most of the wind. Taking an active part in the sailing is in no way compulsory, but you’d miss out on a lot of the fun and challenge of the trip by taking a back seat. No experience is necessary – three out of eleven guests had never sailed before - as the crew were outstanding at clearly explaining what was required as well as pitching instructions to people’s level of experience. Our crew numbered four: Skipper Ben, the Mate Jo, Bosun Fran, plus Lucy, our cook. Provident is rigged just as when she first went to sea: she has a gaff rig, meaning the large main sail and smaller mizzen are hoisted on a huge wooden spar attached to their upper side. The ketch rig (two masts) gives versatility – she can sail with
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as little as two and as many as eight sails. Apart from a hydraulic winch to operate the anchor, everything is done by hand, which is why traditional sailing is such a great team-building activity. Working together to hoist and lower sails, under Jo’s instructions, using the old techniques of ‘sweating’ (using your body weight to pull up the sail) and ‘tailing’ (taking in the slack and making fast), was a great ice-breaker and our mixed-age group (twenties to seventies) were soon working well together. Our voyage turned out to be a wonderful week of contrasts. Leaving at first light to cross the Channel to Guernsey, arriving as the last of the setting sun backlit the roofs and spires of St Peter editorial@tavylinks.co.uk
FEATURE
Port. Dropping anchor each night in spectacularly beautiful spots and being ferried ashore by dinghy to explore the picturesque islands of Guernsey and Sark. Our return Channel crossing was done overnight, and this turned out to be most people’s greatest trip highlight, despite the challenges of night watches (three hours on, three off), sometimes rather lively seas and occasional rain. Crossing the busiest shipping lane in the world, past giant container vessels, cruise ships and fishing vessels ablaze with lights, was a real insight into the world that goes on around Britain’s shores. And I’d thought a night crossing would mean no wildlife to watch (we’d had dolphins and countless seabirds on the way out) but far from it. Our wake fizzed with phosphorescence, created by microorganisms that light up when agitated. It was like sailing on an enchanted magic carpet – plus, to our sheer delight, often accompanied by dolphins that were completely lit up by the phosphorescence and looked like magical creatures swimming alongside us. Arriving in Dartmouth in the small hours of the night, in the rain, I saw the port in a totally different perspective from previous visits as a ‘fair weather’ leisure sailor: coming out of the dark to the welcoming lights of a safe haven; a mooring buoy to tie up to so we could fall into our bunks to catch up on sleep; peeling off slept-in clothes and luxuriating in a hot shower next morning
at the yacht club; relaxing over a latte; and fresh provisions. Though the food was outstanding throughout the trip: our cook Lucy conjured up delicious, varied meals and fresh-baked cakes from the compact galley, in all weathers and sometimes very challenging conditions, with unfailing Aussie good humour. The final couple of days were another highlight in the most relaxing of ways. Anchoring for a tranquil night up the Dart below Agatha Christie’s ‘Greenway’, landing at the pretty riverside village of Dittisham (pronounced ‘Ditsum’) for an excellent pint or two; and a delightful sunny, warm and gentle sail from Dartmouth across Torbay, all our sails flying. Then
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all too soon, after a week that in some ways had flown by and in others seemed so much longer, crammed as it was with new experiences, we’re back in Brixham to disembark. “Back to the real world”, sighed one of my fellow guests, disconsolately. “No”, smiled Ben, our Skipper. “This is the real world”. I felt truly privileged to have had an insight into it, even just for a week. Sue Fisher
Trinity Sailing Foundation, The Sail Loft, Brixham TQ5 8ED – for more information visit www.trinitysailing.org or contact Harry or Ben on 01803 883355 or team@ trinitysailing.org
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Tavistock’s main venue for Films, Theatre, Live Music and Live Broadcasts
Welcome to...
live broadcasts.. wharF gallery.. Tuesday 19th February
Why not come along and visit our Art Gallery which is free to enter and open to the public every day except Sundays. We change exhibitions each month and feature many local and national artists. The image below is from our recent exhibition FACES FROM FAR OFF PLACES by local photographer Tommy Hatwell www.tommyhatwell.com
DON QUIXOTE
Royal Opera House Live Don Quixote and his servant Sancho Panza set out to have a chivalrous adventure. They meet Kitri and Basilio, a young couple who cannot marry because Kitri’s father is determined to marry her off to the wealthy Gamache. Don Quixote decides to intervene. With Don Quixote’s help, Kitri and Basilio convince her father to let them marry. Don Quixote also persuades Gamache that he would prefer to marry the barmaid anyway. Kitri and Basilio celebrate, and everyone cheers Don Quixote on his way.
FILMS........................ COFFEE SHOP........ BEAUTIFUL BOY
Based on the best-selling pair of memoirs from father and son David and Nic Sheff, Beautiful Boy chronicles the heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival, relapse, and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years.
8th – 14th February
Did you know that The Wharf has its own coffee shop open 6 days a week (except Sundays) serving a varied menu to suit all tastes and at very reasonable prices. With an outside seating area running alongside the canal, on a hot sunny day there can be no better place in Tavistock to enjoy a cream tea or slice of cake!
THE LEGO MOVIE 2
It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild
15th – 21st February HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
When Hiccup discovers Toothless isn’t the only Night Fury, he must seek “The Hidden World”, a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel finds it first
FILM & THEATRE COMING SOON FAUST RHO LIVE April 2019
ALL MY SONS April 2019
.............................................. SALLY MORGAN PSYCHIC ROMEO & JULIET RHO LIVE April 2019 June 2019
..............................................
16th – 21st February
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO RHO LIVE June 2019
WITHIN THE GOLDEN HOUR RHO LIVE May 2019
MUSIC..................................... WHOLE LOTTA LED Saturday 16th February
DIRE STREETS Friday 22nd February
2019 sees the 50th anniversary of the release of one of the greatest albums of all time – Led Zeppelin II, much of which will be performed live at this show.
Dire Streets bring to life the classic songs of one of the world’s greatest guitar bands with a level of musicianship and attention to detail.
KRIS BARRAS Saturday 9th March
DARKSIDE OF THE MOON Friday 15th March
THE TOTAL WHO SHOW Saturday 16th March
ELO AGAIN Friday 22nd March
Kris Barras is one of the U.K’s most exciting Blues-Rock Guitarists. His blend of soul-wrenching melodies with blistering technique has thrilled audiences worldwide for the past 13 years.
More than just an ordinary Pink Floyd tribute band, The Darkside of Pink Floyd entertain audiences with a fantastic light show and passionate performances.
The show is not just an imitation but one of the greatest exponents of the music that defines their generation.
A night of ELO performed by ELO AGAIN brings back the age of Glam Rock to the 21st century and pays tribute to the beautifully crafted songs of Jeff Lynne.
KICK UP THE 80S Saturday 23rd March
UNRAVELLING WILLBURYS Friday 29th March
If you remember New Romantics, Rubic Cubes, Box Jackets, “Frankie Says” t-shirts then Kick Up The 80’s will have you partying like the 90’s never happened!
The Unravelling Wilburys, a band of good ‘ol boys, turn their skills to replicating the sound and songs of the late 80s ‘super-group’ The Traveling Wilburys where five of the greatest names in rock music history came together
MUSIC COMING SOON GLENN TILBROOK April 2019
THE UPBEAT BEATLES April 2019
HI-ON MAIDEN April 2019
THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE April 2019
................................................ ................................................ WOMEN IN ROCK TUBULAR BELLS FOR TWO May 2019 May 2019 See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
STRAIGHTEN OUT STRANGLERS Saturday 23rd February
REBECCA DOWNES Friday 1st March
With an extensive set-list that spans Birmingham-based Rebecca and two solid hours as they re-create her band are a ‘must see’ live act the ‘early years’ sound of The that often leaves newcomers simply Stranglers blown away by the power of the performance.
Online booking available for all music events at...
www.wegottickets.com For full details and how to book events visit our website: www.tavistockwharf.com
Tavistock Wharf Box Office 01822 611166 FACEBOOK.COM/TAVISTOCKWHARF Dates and times shown may vary, so please check our website for all up to date information: www.tavistockwharf.com
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WHAT’S ON
REGULARS 9 FEBRUARY – 31 MARCH DAFFODIL HUNTER TRAIL AT COTEHELE 10am-4pm. Pick up a free trail from reception and see if you can find all the different daffodils that were grown during Cotehele’s past as the heart of the Tamar Valley’s market garden. Normal admission
charge applies, NT members & U5s free 9 FEBRUARY – 24 MARCH SPRING SHOWCASE IN COTEHELE GALLERY
FROM 1 MARCH
10am-4pm. The new exhibition in Cotehele’s gallery features work from exciting new artists and craftspeople from the south-west as well as some well-established contributors. Normal admission charges apply.
Wildwood arts, Chapel Lane, Horrrabridge, PL20 7SP www.wildwoodartsdartmoor. co.uk; 01822 258529
SPRING ART EXHIBITION
30 MARCH – 22 APRIL TAVISTOCK EASTER EGG HUNT
FEBRUARY AND MARCH
What’s On Jazz Sunday Lunch Sunday 3rd March Sunday 7th April A delicious 3-course Sunday Lunch, with a generous helping of live jazz. £25 Valentine’s Dinner Thursday 14th February Five superb courses by candlelight. £55 Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 31st March 3 delicious courses, in the stylish setting of The Bedford Hotel. £26
01822-613221 bedford-hotel.co.uk
www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk; 01822 258529
CHARITY LUNCHES Lunches at Lewtrenchard Manor supporting Devon Air Ambulance on Fridays and Saturdays between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm, 2-course lunch £17.50, 3-course lunch £21.50 - charity envelopes provided for donations.
Another egg-citing and free trail brought to you by Tavistock BID as part of the Spring Festival. Collect your clue sheet and find all the eggs to earn yourself a goody bag. Collect your sheets from I Love Candy, Kaleidoscope, The Visitor Information Centre and the Toy Cupboard. www.visittavistock.co.uk LAST TUESDAY IN MONTH
FEBRUARY AND MARCH MOOR THAN TORS EXHIBITION A photographic journey into Dartmoor by local artist, Richard Fox, with 40 images ranging from snowy scenes, colourful sunrises, rolling farmland and flowing rivers. The National Park Visitor Centre, Princetown, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 -15.30, entry is free. www. richardfoxphotography.com
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP Join us at the Anchorage Centre, Tavistock from 10.30am to noon. We also have monthly exercise classes and social coffee mornings. For more information please contact Pam on 01822 614204 or Val on 01822 613992. FIRST SATURDAY OF MONTH TIDY TAVI LITTER PICK-UP
UNTIL 23 FEBRUARY IMAGINATION AND ALLEGORICAL ART EXHIBITION Joint-themed exhibition of two of the region’s finest artists - David Brooks and Richard Slater (Royal Institute). Wildwood arts, Chapel Lane, Horrrabridge, PL20 7SP
Meet outside Meadowlands Leisure Centre. There’s no need to register or signup to take part - just turn up! 10:00am to midday. All necessary equipment provided, but please bring your own gloves and wear stout footwear.
ANTIQUES VALUATIONS TAVISTOCK 14th February & 11th April
The Bedford Hotel
The Bedford Hotel Plymouth Road 10.00am - 1.00pm
1 Plymouth Road | Tavistock PL19 8BB
St. Edmund’s Court, Okehampton Street, Exeter EX4 1DU T: 01392 413100 W: www.bhandl.co.uk E: enquiries@bhandl.co.uk
In the heart of Tavistock
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John Piper (1903-1992) Saltash Bridge. Sold for £1,250
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WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS LAUGHTER YOGA ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine’, so join our fun sessions for about half an hour of light exercise and laughter with deep yogic breathing. All adult ages and people of most abilities welcome. 7pm Wednesdays and 1.45pm Thursdays at Tavistock Guide Hall on the Wharf. £3 per session including tea/coffee. 07845932597 for details.
Edwards edwardsbobbarbara@btinternet. com, 01822 852 636 or visit www. devonassoc.org.uk
– mostly for public areas, but also for individual gardens. 08455 193812 or mail@ mtjubileegroup.co.uk
16 & 17 FEBRUARY
20-21 FEBRUARY
What’s On
APPLE GRAFTING WEEKEND AT COTEHELE
GAMES ON THE SQUARE, TAVISTOCK
10am-4pm. Learn how to graft your own apple tree with more than 20 local apple varieties to choose from. No need to book, just drop in and take home a grafted tree. £5 per grafted tree, admission applies. Call 01579 351346 for details or visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele
Come along and enjoy a free day of traditional games on Bedford Square, including mini crazy golf and Beat the Buzzer, from 10:30am-3:30pm courtesy of Tavistock BID. www.visit-tavistock.co.uk
Wine Tasting Dinner
EVERY WEDNESDAY THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH CREDIT UNION OFFICE Savers can obtain loans at 2% or less. Children can save too. All savers are covered by a free life insurance. Call in for more information or ring 01752 201329. 11.00am - 1.00pm in the Princetown Community Centre, Tavistock Road, Princetown, PL20 6QE
FEBRUARY
Thursday 4th May A tutored wine tasting session by 16 FEBRUARY Charles Steevenson followed by a BUILD A BIRD BOX superb five-course dinner with Valentine’s Dinner Make your own bird box at Lydford Gorge, Thursday 14th February matched wines. materials and guidance provided by the courses in the ranger team. £6 per bird box, booking £45Seven per superb person utterly romantic setting of the advisable on 01822 820320, 12-3pm
What’s On Tors Restaurant. £59
Sunday Lunch
16 - 24 FEBRUARY
Wine Tasting Dinner Keeping Sunday special, with a Thursday 2nd May Half Term Family Fun at RHS Rosemoor delicious, traditional three-course Sample a selection of seasonal get your hands dirty with a range of family wines, partnered with aweek. superb Sunday Lunch served every themed activities, whatever the weather! dinner menu using the finest local, Including a garden trail and drop-in family Three courses £25 seasonal ingredients. craft workshops. Drop-in workshops, 11am Two courses £19.50 £59 including dinner and wines 1pm and 2pm - 4pm, Learning Centre ‘ECO SUPER HEROES’
14 FEBRUARY DARTMOOR HILL FARM PROJECT Tekkie Brekkie on EID tags for sheep at Harford, 10 – 12.30am, £5
Winter Warmer Breaks Until 28th February
South
Stay from £70 per person, per 01822-892300 night, including dinner and breakfast.(Minimum 2 nights) twobridges.co.uk/whatson As part of National Nest Box Week, the
15 FEBRUARY
17 FEBRUARY
DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION
BUILD A BIRD BOX WORKSHOP
“Rebuilding Castle Drogo”, an illustrated account by Paula Clarke, Community Engagement Officer at 7.30 pm at the Tavistock Parish Centre, Plymouth Road. For further details contact Barbara
Mary Tavy Jubilee Group, along with Dartmoor Park Ranger Rob Taylor, is holding an all-day workshop at Coronation Hall, Mary Tavy to make bird boxes
01822-892300 twobridges.co.uk
Bath & Body • Home & Gift • Children’s & Nursery
RAVEN
LIFESTYLE
10% OFF VOUCHER*
EVERYTHING IN STORE
*On presentation of this voucher. Not valid with any other offer. Only one voucher per customer. Valid until 31 December 2019
Call us: 01822 610789 • Email: info@ravenlifestyle.co.uk 14B Market Street • Tavistock PL19 0DB
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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
In the heart of Dartmoor
Two Bridges | Dartmoor PL20 6SW In the heart of Dartmoor 39
WHAT’S ON 21 FEBRUARY
23 FEBRUARY
MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE
TAVISTOCK MEMORY CAFÉ
A virtual reality presentation by Professor Bob Stone based on a number of local high-tech projects, including the reservoir bed at Burrator, the old Burrator and Sheepstor Halt, and the tor outcrops and quarries at Haytor. 2pm - 5pm at Meavy Parish hall. Advance booking essential. Contact Tanya Welch on 07850 120230.
Looking at nature, thinking of spring and helping our feathered friends!
AMBER & MALLOW
Lifestyle
for the carers – chat & optional ipad support with June & Helen 24 FEBRUARY FAMILY WILDLIFE WATCH
27 FEBRUARY
Come and take part in a range of wildlife and heritage themed activities at Burrator Discovery Centre 10.30am-12.30pm followed by hot chocolate and biscuits. £3 per child, £2 per adult. Please wear outdoor clothing and footwear. No booking needed.
IS DARTMOOR WORTH CROSSING?
WINTER JAZZ EVENT
Join members of Tavistock Edge at the Two Bridges Hotel for a 3-course dinner, along with an evening of Dartmoor stories, myths, legends, scriptures and poems, performed by Dartmoor characters including the late William Crossing - the great moorland author and guide. 7pm, £30, call 01822 892300 to book.
Lunch accompanied by jazz music from Kimberly Oram-Penfold at Lewtrenchard Manor from 12.00 noon to 2.00pm. £35.00 per person.
MARCH
24 FEBRUARY
25 FEBRUARY WHAT’S INVOLVED IN BEING A COUNCILLOR? An open evening for residents at Killworthy Park, Tavistock at 6.30pm, including information about the role of borough councillors, the workload involved, and how to put your name forward. 27 FEBRUARY
An exciting new lifestyle store in the heart of Tavistock Well Considered Gifts Interior Accessories Interior Styling & Design Service Extensive Fabric Library
The Barn, 5 Market Rd 01822 617853 Open Tuesday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00 Saturday 10.00 to 17.00
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“Introduction to traditional Devonshire rural skills including hedgelaying, stone walling, cobblestoning and much more” by Don Gaskins and Richard Finnemore from Devon Rural Skills Trust. Burrator Discovery Centre, 7:30pm-9:30pm, £4 per person (including refreshments). Please book your place on 01822 855700.
INTRODUCTION TO TRADITIONAL DEVONSHIRE RURAL SKILLS
Computer Problems?
1 MARCH WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE Everyone of all faiths and religions is welcome at this special service, taking place in over 120 countries around the world on the same day. The service for this area will be at 2pm in the United Reformed Church, Russell St. Tavistock. For those unable to attend this date, an alternative service is being held at Christchurch, Brentor on Sunday 3 March at 6pm. Contact - Anne Snook 01822 614801.
01822 600105 or 07768 852555 help@berecomputing.co.uk www.berecomputing.co.uk
The local I.T. Guy - providing support for small business and home users • PC and Mac set-up and installation • Virus and spyware removal • Networking and broadband set-up and troubleshooting • Affordable websites for small businesses and the self-employed • CCTV supply and installation
Bere Computing
KEEPING YOU SAFE ONLINE AND AT HOME To promote your business to 20,700* readers - call 01822 615627
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WHAT’S ON 1-2 MARCH LAMERTON QUILT EXHIBITION Exhibition of local quilt-making skills at St Peter’s Church, Lamerton, PL19 8QR. Open 11am-4pm, free admission and parking. Refreshments and raffle. Proceeds to be divided between the church, Brain Tumour Research Campaign and Motor Neurone Disease Association. For further information please contact, Rosalind Wiggins 01822 612440. 2 MARCH DISCOVER THE BEDFORD HOTEL Join local historian Alex Mettler for an illustrated talk on the history of The Bedford Hotel, and an exclusive guided tour of the hotel to uncover some of its little-known secrets. Including coffee and set two-course lunch, £30. 10am, booking essential on 01822 613221 3 MARCH ‘1959, THE GOLDEN YEAR OF JAZZ’ The Neil Maya Quartet celebrates one of the great years in jazz history covering the release of iconic albums by Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane, Bill Evans and others of the period. 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Plymouth. Tickets on the door £10 (members £8, full-time students £5) information 01752 721179, plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk
Andy Cutting (button accordion), Sam Sweeney (fiddle) and Rob Harbron (concertina). Doors and bar open 7.00pm, performance 8.00pm at Calstock Arts, PL18 9QX. Tickets: £8- £14 at calstockarts. ticketsolve.com, 01726 879500 or Limekiln Gallery, Calstock.
A selection of baroque masterpieces with musical director Alice Dennis BEM: J.S. Bach: Magnificat, Handel: Zadok the Priest, Handel: The King Shall Rejoice. 7.30 pm at The Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. Tickets £16 (U26 £6) from 01752 585050 or theartsinstitute@plymouth. ac.uk
9 MARCH TAVISTOCK MEMORY CAFÉ Poslips - John and Jill are back to get your feet tapping or even dancing, with tunes old and new (plus the odd corny jokes!) 12 MARCH MED THEATRE - ‘ROCKS’ A futuristic comedy set on Dartmoor around the year 2050, looking at issues such as artificial intelligence, surveillance and nuclear waste, as well as charting Dartmoor’s geological history down the ages. Cornwood Village Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.medtheatre.co.uk or info@medtheatre.co.uk or 01647 441356. Other venues also available.
WE ARE NOW CATALOGUING OUR SPRING AUCTION CALENDAR COLLECTORS’ ITEMS, BOOKS & TOYS, STAMPS, COINS & MEDALS
Live steam locomotive & tender SOLD £420
15 MARCH DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION ‘Mad, bad and fascinating to know’, an illustrated talk by Dr Geri Parlby on the ancestors of the Duke of Bedford at 7.30 pm at the Tavistock Parish Centre, Plymouth Road. For further details contact Barbara Edwards edwardsbobbarbara@ btinternet.com, 01822 852 636 or visit www.devonassoc.org.uk
Trafalgar medal SOLD £20,000
ANTIQUES & ART, SILVER & JEWELLERY
7 MARCH LEVERET
16 MARCH
Three of England’s finest folk musicians,
UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH CHORAL SOCIETY Pink sapphire & diamond Omega “Chronometre” necklace & earrings c1950’s SOLD £15,000 SOLD £1,800
Fun, Self Defence, Discipline, Health, Fitness, Strength, Balance & So Much More. Instructors are Enhanced DBS,Safeguarding & First aid qualified. BTC& TAGB Insured instructors.
Please contact our Roborough office for free valuations to consign items for these sales
FREE MONTH TRIAL!
Training times: Monday only:5.30-6.30pm Junior/Family Beginner session. Mondays and Thursdays: 6-7pm Junior/Family Session 7-8pm Mixed; 8-9pm Adult and Senior Belts All at Tavistock College Gymnasium, Crowndale Road, Tavistock Pl19 8DD
www.eldreds.net
tavistocktagb@gmail.com f
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
Regular specialist auctions with live online Internet bidding
For professional advice and valuations, please call 01752 721199 email: enquiries@eldreds.net
WWW.TAVISTOCKTAEKWONDO.COM
Call Dan Hunt 07779253719
Valuations for auction, probate and insurance purposes
ALL AGES WELCOME!
1 Belliver Way, Roborough, Plymouth PL6 7BP 41
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WHAT’S ON 16 MARCH PAINT THE TOWN, TAVISTOCK Local businesses, in conjunction with local primary schools, will create bright and wonderful window displays for the Spring Festival, with an award for the best display. www.visit-tavistock.co.uk 16 MARCH SPRING PUDDINGS AT THE EDGCUMBE 7-8.30pm. Join us for an evening of sweet treats inside the historic Edgcumbe tearoom on the banks of the river Tamar on Cotehele Quay. £20, includes soup and four desserts. National Trust Cotehele, St
Dominick, PL12 6TA. Booking essential, call 01579 351346 for details. 17 MARCH BLACK CAT JAZZ A welcome return for this great and very popular traditional jazz band. 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Plymouth. Tickets on the door £10 (members £8, full-time students £5) information 01752 721179, plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk 18-23 MARCH ‘LAMBING LIVE’ AT GREENWELL FARM
FRIENDS OF WHARF LUNCHTIME LECTURES ORGANISED BY DR ANN PULSFORD, 2PM TAVISTOCK WHARF
FEBRUARY
MARCH
11 February Frances Howard, Poisons from the garden
4 March Malcolm Hart, Mass extinctions and evolution of life on earth
18 February Trish Hodge Not just chocolate: the Fry family of Plymouth and their famous relatives
4 March Laura Quigley, Crossing the North Atlantic before The Mayflower
25 February David Lemon More about elephants
4 March Simon Dell, Tavistock Subscription Library history 4 March Geri Parlby, From magic lanterns to Metro Goldwyn Mayer: the birth of the silver screen and the art that surrounded it
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
The magic of spring in the lambing shed with Mat Cole and his team. Booking essential on greenwellfarm@gmail.com or 01822 855535: adults £5, children aged 3 and over £2, £100 tour for up to 30 people. 18th-22nd: 5.30pm – 7:30pm; 23rd: 1pm - 4pm. Greenwell Farm, nr Meavy, Yelverton, PL20 6PY
YOU DIDN’T KNOW WE WERE HERE ?
Kilworthy
Kapers
HEALTHFOODS & SUPPLEMENTS IN TAVISTOCK SINCE 1977 DRIED FRUIT/ NUTS /SEEDS/PULSES CHILLED: TOFU/YOGHURTS/PIES FREEZER:G/F PIES/BURGERS/NUGGETS VITAMINS MINERALS SUPPLEMENTS PURE ESSENTIAL OILS & CARRIER OILS HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES LOCAL HONEY ORGANIC FREE RANGE EGGS AND MORE...
COME AND HAVE A LOOK!
11 KING STREET TAVISTOCK 01822 615039
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WHAT’S ON
28 & 29 MARCH
21 MARCH
DARTMOOR HILL FARM PROJECT
BURRATOR DISCOVERY CENTRE EVENING TALK
Learn ‘Stone Faced Earth Bank Repair’ at Okehampton, £60.00 (Inc. VAT)
Have you ever wondered how the height of a dam is decided and why the overflow spillway is a certain size? An introduction to dams and reservoirs, by Les Hamill. Burrator Discovery Centre, 7:30pm-9:30pm, £4 per person (including refreshments). Please book your place on 01822 855700 or heritage@swlakestrust.org.uk 23 MARCH
APRIL
29 MARCH TEA TASTING & COCKTAIL MAKING Love your ‘cuppa’? - how does tea tasting and tea-based cocktail making sound? 6:00pm at Moorland Garden Hotel, canapes, talk about tea, tea tasting, cocktails. £20 pp, book on 01822 852245.
4, 5 & 6 APRIL
THE CAPERS AT CRICKETERS’ COPSE The Brentorians present ‘The Capers at Cricketers’ Copse’ by Richard Coleman. A tale of intrigue and double cross in the village of Fritton-upon-Sewer. Brentor Village Hall, doors open at 7.00pm, curtain up at 7:30pm. Tickets £5.00, available on 01822 810412.
TAVISTOCK MEMORY CAFÉ Pam’s springtime poems - it’s got to be ‘daffodil’ time – poems old and new to share for the carers – meet David Martin, your local Alzheimer’s Society support worker
Courses in Drawing, Painting and Printmaking
Courses in Drawing, Painting and FOR BEGINNERS Printmaking
23 MARCH THE BIG SALE Over 30 exhibitors selling off goods at rock bottom prices! The perfect chance to grab a bargain. 10:30 - 16:00 at Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock. Entry £1.50 (under 16s free) www.missivyevents.co.uk
AND IMPROVERS
FOR BEGINNERS AND IMPROVER with artists Nicky Beaumont and JoLB
Five sessions booked £75.00 continuation bookings £64.00 (or drop-in dependent on space £20) Mondays & Thursdays
24 MARCH TAVY 13 Considered one of the best-value and wellorganised half-marathons in the country - entries from £9. Plus 1-mile fun run at the Tavistock track. www.tavy13.co.uk 24 MARCH ALAN BARNES WITH THE CRAIG MILVERTON TRIO A special extra gig featuring Britain’s multiple award-winning leading jazz saxophonist with one of the finest backing trios in the UK. 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Plymouth. Tickets on the door £10 (members £8, full-time students £5) information 01752 721179, plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk
& with artists Monday Evening Nicky Beaumont and JoLB DRINK & DRAW 7-9pm
Five sessions booked £75.00 Drawing, Painting or Printing from life also: WDAC Art Group £64.00 continuation bookings 3rd Saturday of the month (or drop-in dependent on space £20 Contact us on 01822 855331• 07795 057397 westdartmoorartcourses@gmail.com Mondays & Thursdays WWW.FOURWARDHEALTH.CO.UK
c fourwardhealth
Grief & loss Anger -
JEWELLERY MAKING WORKSHOP
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& Monday Evening tamarvalleytherapy.com DRINK & DRAW A safe place to work things out... 7-9pm Drawing, Painting or Mental Printing health -from l also: WDAC Artproblems GroupRelationship 3rd Saturday of the month Addiction -
24 MARCH
Learn how to make jewellery with Xuella Arnold. 10am-4pm, £75 at Wildwood Arts, Horrabridge
or telephone Jo on 01822 810 272 or 07802 412 693 or visit us at Tavi Arts Market - Butchers hall
Reduced cost psychotherapy Sessions in Calstock & Plymouth.
Contact us Depression on Work stress westdartmoorartcourses@gmail.com Anxiety or telephone Jo on Coping with change 01822 810 272 or 07802 412 693 or visit us at Tavi Arts Market - Butchers ha Dr. Rachel Wood 07432 710 240 tamarvalleytherapy@gmail.com
To promote your business to 20,700* readers - call 01822 615627
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W hat’s O n Until 3 March
19 to 23 February
27 to 30 March
20 polar bear cubs have been set loose across Plymouth’s waterfront, each with a bear fact on how single-use plastics affect the envinment. Take this fun, free and educational challenge to become a Polar Bear Explorer and a chance to win great prizes. Download a map from visitplymouth.co.uk.
1692 in Salam, Massachusetts, 14 women, 5 men and 2 dogs were executed for witchcraft. 1947-1956, hundreds of Americans were accused in McCarthy’s anti-communist investigations. The Tamaritans present Arthur Miller’s dramatic version of events in The Crucible. The Red House, PL1 3EG at 7.30pm. Tickets at WeGotTickets. com or 01752 291309.
She stole the heart of a nation. Evita, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, follows the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. 7:30pm at Devonport Playhouse, tickets at plymouthgilbertandsullivan.com/ box-office or 01752 842197
Polar Bear Explorer Trail
16 to 24 February
Sea the Difference – Explore the Shore
The National Marine Aquarium welcomes ocean organisations, watersports companies and conservation organisations to showcase the amazing ways people can connect with the ocean and explore the local area. Meet marine heroes and take part in activities, games and adventures!
The Crucible
Evita the Musical
30 March 9 March
London Mozart Players
Three contrasting works by Mozart: Seranata Notturna in D major; Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor, with pianist Dr Robert Taub; Symphony No. 41 in C major ‘Jupiter’. 7:30 pm at the Minster Church of St Andrew, with an informal pre-concert talk at 7:00pm. Tickets: £5-£12, U18 free - from theartsinstitute@ plymouth.ac.uk or 01752 585050.
www.visitplymouth.co.uk @visitplymouth @visitplym
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
St Luke’s Men’s Day Out
Thousands of men will be raising vital funds for St Luke’s with a 12km sponsored walk, before a pasty and a pint while watching Plymouth Albion RFC take on Birmingham Moseley. Walk kicks off at 10:00am, starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC, PL1 4NE. Register at www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ mensdayout 29 July
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WHAT’S ON EXTRA
Thursday 21st February
Making the Invisible Visible Devon-born Professor Robert Stone returns to give a virtual reality (VR) presentation based on a number of local high-tech projects, including developing a VR model of the reservoir bed at Burrator, the old Burrator and Sheepstor Halt, and the use of drones and special sensors to 3D-map the radiation from radon over the tor outcrops and quarries at Haytor. Bob is Professor of Interactive Multimedia Systems, as well as a Director of the Human Interface Technologies (HIT) Team, at the University of Birmingham.
2:00pm – 5:00pm at Meavy Parish Hall. For all details and to book (by 15th Feb) visit www.dartmoorsociety.com - the event is hosted by The Dartmoor Society & The Yelverton and District Local History Society. All are very welcome and the cost is £5 for non-members and £4 for members.
There will also be an opportunity for attendees to experience the latest VR headsets and related technologies, and to see some of the aerial and underwater drones the team uses to support its research. Recently Bob and his team obtained permission to dive their new Blue ROV2 and Trident unmanned submersibles in Burrator Reservoir to search for the remains of WWII anti-torpedo nets and buoys. Evidence of these remains were detected a couple of years ago when the team carried out an underwater sonar survey in the reservoir and backed up by photographs of previous reservoir droughts provided by local villagers.
The Forest Inn
Hexworthy, Dartmoor PL20 6SD Home-made food using seasonal, locally sourced produce Warm, comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation Relax at The Forest Inn and forget the hustle and bustle of your everyday life
Now taking bookings for Valentines Day and Mothering Sunday! Please check the website for details
01364 631211• info@forestinndartmoor.co.uk • www.forestinndartmoor.co.uk Walkers, fishermen, dogs, hooves and muddy boot friendly! 46
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WHAT’S ON EXTRA
February & March
Welcome distractions Thankfully when you make a living from the land there is always a task to act as a distraction and help you to focus on reality. So if you are looking for a distraction, the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project (HFP) provides a year-round training programme for farmers and local residents. Supported by the Princes Countryside Fund, the Duchy of Cornwall and the Dartmoor National Park Authority, the HFP is involved in a range of initiatives to support upland farming. In addition to core agricultural training the project is working with the Heritage Lottery funded Moor than Meets the Eye Landscape Partnership Scheme, to develop a new programme of heritage skills. February sees our sheepdog course for novices gain momentum at Postbridge, under the watchful eye of master shepherd Kenny Watson. This course ends in September with a mock sheepdog trial, putting the class on best behaviour! On the topic of sheep, we are also hosting a ‘tekkie brekkie’ on Valentine’s day, looking at electronic identification tags and recording systems. This event with Shearwell Tags involves a breakfast and kitchen table discussion with some hands-on practical work. What better way to treat your loved one than to learn how to keep tabs on them at all times…
Or you may wish to learn about traditional Devon banks in March when we have a stone-faced earth bank restoration course. This will cover the principles of building a traditional Devon bank and arm you with the confidence to complete your own project. If you are interested in any of these events or wish to find out more details then please contact the office on hfp@dartmoor. gov.uk or call 01822 890913. February: Novice Sheepdog Training Course (6 sessions) in Postbridge, £120.00 (Inc. VAT) 14th Feb (10 – 12.30am): Tekkie Brekkie on EID Tags at Harford, £5 28th & 29th March: Stone Faced Earth Bank Repair at Okehampton, £60.00 (Inc. VAT)
Sunday 17th February
Build-a-bird-box workshop As part of National Nest Box Week, the Mary Tavy Jubilee Group, along with Dartmoor Park Ranger Rob Taylor, is holding an all-day workshop at Coronation Hall, Mary Tavy to make bird boxes - most of which it is hoped will go up in public areas around the village, but could also be for individual gardens. The plan is to make a variety of boxes for different birds, concentrating on those known to be in decline. Basic materials will be provided and there will be no charge for the
workshop for making bird boxes for the village, with just a small charge to anyone making boxes for their own garden. The bird boxes for the public areas around the village will be sited at a later date, in time for the nesting season. Whilst it may be possible just to turn up it would be helpful if people can get in touch in advance to give some idea of numbers. The Jubilee Group can be contacted on 08455 193812 or mail@mtjubileegroup.co.uk.
Antiques • Collectables • Jewellery Quality Furniture Architectural Salvage Garden Furniture & Ornaments • Tools & Machinery We offer house clearance and valuation services, and accept goods at our office weekly, please contact us for more information.
For more information call: 01822 616992
www.drakesauctions.co.uk cdf
Unit 6 Parade Business Park, Pixon Lane, Tavistock PL19 9RQ
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
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TAVISTOCK’S AWARD-WINNING VENUE VOTED AS ONE OF THE ‘BEST TOWN WEDDING VENUES’ IN THE SOUTH WEST
Tavistock Town Hall a perfect, flexible setting for your event. Whether you’re holding a gala dinner, a wedding, sales fayre, or even an exercise class, our facilities and friendly and experienced staff make our elegant Gothic building at the heart of Tavistock the ideal place for your event. • Fully Licenced Bar • Licensed for Civil Ceremonies• Capacity from 2 – 400 people• Full disabled access • Modern kitchen facilities • Full days hire from £85.00* *depending on event and room requirements
Call the team to discuss your needs and reserve your time and date 01822
e
M 2 e 0 Re mb 19 N ne er ow w sh D als ip u
townhall@tavistock.gov.uk
•
www.tavistock.gov.uk
•
617232
Tavistock Town Hall Bedford Square Tavistock PL19 0AE
The West Devon Club
An ideal venue for celebrations, parties and special events such as weddings and wakes
Our cosy club has a warm and welcoming lounge, a dance floor, good food with separate dining area. Two bars, cosy cellar bar with great function area, large screen TVs for viewing the sporting events like Six Nations Rugby and Premiership Football Matches. We have two Snooker tables, pool room and a wonderful beer garden.
Interested in joining? Please see out friendly bar staff.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS 29 Jan Quiz • 16 Feb Valentines Dinner/Dance • 26 Feb Quiz • 25 Mar AGM • 26 March Quiz Six Nations Rugby • Also, great entertainment planned for the rest of the year
Get online and check out the website to see the latest events at the club
3 Abbey Place, Tavistock, PL19 0AB • 01822 613025
westdevonclub@yahoo.com
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WHAT’S ON EXTRA
18th-23rd March
‘Lambing Live’ at Greenwell Farm Come and see the magic of spring in our lambing shed with a guided tour of the sheep maternity unit to see the ewes and new-born lambs. Mat Cole and his team will be on hand to answer any questions. Numbers are restricted so booking is essential: adults £5.00, children aged 3 and over £2.00. Group and school tours are also available - £100 per tour for up to 30 people. Larger groups are also welcome at a small additional cost. To book please email greenwellfarm@gmail.com or call 01822 855535.
18th-22nd March: 5.30pm – 7:30pm Sat 23rd March: 1pm - 4pm Greenwell Farm, nr Meavy, Yelverton, PL20 6PY Find us on Facebook at ‘Lambing Live Greenwell Farm’
Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd March
Lamerton Quilt Exhibition In the village of Lamerton is a quilter, who over the years has encouraged and worked with others to develop and enhance their skills in quilt making. These Lamerton ladies have all produced some amazing quilts and wall hangings. With this in mind it has been decided to have an exhibition to {
The exhibition is being held in St Peters Church, Lamerton, PL19 8QR on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd March from 11am - 4pm. Entry is free, with disabled access and there will be refreshments throughout both days. Parking available.
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display some of the extraordinary and imaginative ways in which they have used their patchwork and quilting skills. All donations will go to St Peter’s Church; one quilt will also be raffled at the event and the proceeds from the raffle will be divided between Brain Tumour Research Campaign and Motor Neurone Disease Association. Do come and meet the quilters at this inspiring community event.
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OPEN HOURS Morning Coffee From 10am Tue-Sat
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Lunch 12-3pm Tue-Sun
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Dinner 6pm ‘til late Tue-Sun Last food orders 9pm
We only use the freshest ingredients from local suppliers and farms from fish to meat and game lovingly created into mouth watering dishes by our Michelin Chefs Malcolm and Andrew. Booking highly recommended.
Breakfast Sat & Sun 9-10.30am
BOOKINGS & RESERVATIONS 01837 82247 . WWW.NEWINNSAMPFORDCOURTENAY.CO.UK
SAMPFORD COURTENAY . OKEHAMPTON . EX20 2TB
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
Closed Mondays
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WHAT’S ON EXTRA
On tour 1st-16th March
Humble Boy Tavonians Theatre Company will be on tour with Humble Boy, an award-winning comedy by Charlotte Jones, which takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Alan Ayckbourn among other influences, particularly in a hugely funny lunch scene. The story is based around Felix (Tim Sutton), a research fellow in theoretical astrophysics, who returns to his Cotswold family home after his father’s death. The irony is that, while the unhappy Felix’s personal life is fragmenting in front of our eyes, he is seeking a supersymmetry that is to be the theory of everything. Felix’s mother, Flora (Tessa Skola), fails to understand her son and her dark glasses conceal both her anger and the bruises of her recent nose job. Her lover and now her suitor George Pye (Frank Woodcock) is anxious to marry her. George’s daughter Rosie (Jeni Boardman) once loved Felix and was abandoned by him for the greater cause of science. Jim (Mike Rendle) a gardener, and Mercy (Ali Fife Cook) a rather sad busybody neighbour, weave in and out of the action bringing extra dimensions to the turmoil of relationships.
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Science is only one of many threads running through the fabric of this play about families, gardening, beekeeping, and the value of words. Above all the play sets out to entertain and make you laugh as much as it wants you to think and to feel. Humble Boy won the Critics’ Circle Best New Play Award following its premiere at the National Theatre. Reviews of it include ‘Very very funny... this is a seriously wonderful play.’ Sunday Times, and ‘Rich, original, intelligent, funny and touching... I can’t recommend this lovely play too highly.’ Daily Telegraph. Performances will be in Mary Tavy, Tavistock, Meavy, Okehampton, Callington and Upton Cross between 1st and 16th March. For full details visit www.tavonians.org.uk, or phone 08455 196592.
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WHAT’S ON EXTRA
Sunday 24th March
Tavy 13 Sunday 24 March will see the 10th Tavistock half-marathon - the Tavy 13. The course runs to the north and east of the town, around the western edge of Dartmoor. Runners start on the Tavistock track and then pick up the cycle trail at Crease Lane and run to Harford Bridge. It’s then that the long climb starts up onto the moor via winding lanes up around Batteridge Hill and across the Princetown Road at Moorshop. The beautiful lane past Langstone Manor takes them to the highest point of the course (800feet) at the base of beautiful Pewtor. Time for a quick drink at the waterstation and then almost 5 miles of flat and downhill across Whitchurch Down and Down Road, through the Meadows and around the college to finish on the track. The course is well marshalled and has 4 water stations. All finishers receive a medal and there is an option to buy a commemorative T-shirt. With entries starting
from just £9 it’s no surprise that the event is considered to be one of the best-value and well-organised half-marathons in the country. Whilst runners are out on the course there is also a fun run at the Tavistock track with a course of just 1 mile.
TAVY 13 Sunday 24th March 2019
Entries from just £9
www.tavy13.co.uk
www.tavy13.co.uk
Thursday 4th, Friday 5th & Saturday 6th April
The Capers at Cricketers’ Copse The Brentorians present ‘The Capers at Cricketers’ Copse’ by Richard Coleman. A tale of intrigue and double cross as the Ladies of the village of Fritton-upon-Sewer decide to stage their own cricket match when the Fritton Gentleman’s team should be playing in the first round of the Brewster Cup. Meanwhile a diverse range of suspicious characters are trying to take control of the cricket ground. All this and hidden treasure too... Brentor Village Hall Thursday 4th, Friday 5th & Saturday 6th April, doors open at 7.00pm, curtain up at 7:30pm. Tickets £5.00, available from Helen de Carles on 01822 810412.
CREATING WONDERFUL HOMES FOR 25 YEARS
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MUSIC & ART
Where there’s a will there’s a way Monty Shulberg is a 90-year-old pensioner who has found new meaning in life by taking up digital art. For many years, he enjoyed working as a consultant audiologist in the UK, Channel Islands, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Sri Lanka, Kenya and New Zealand. He worked mainly with children, but also gave consultations to a number of famous people including George Carey (Archbishop of Canterbury), Lord Forte, Bob Monkhouse, Yehudi Menuhin, George Martin (the ‘fifth’ Beatle), Benazir Bhutto, and the President of India on a state visit to Buckingham Palace. In 1971 Monty designed and produced ‘Radio-Link’, a new system allowing a hearingimpaired child to participate in a normal teaching environment with other children. When he was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma-brain tumour in his left ear, he had to give up his life’s work. After two strokes, resulting in other disabilities, he sank into a period of depression, but eventually overcame this by taking up digital art, which has since given him great enjoyment and a purpose to live again. The brain tumour and strokes have given him a very different perspective on life, dramatically influencing his work. He has also been influenced by the work of great Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo
This work was recently accepted by The Foundation for Hospital Art
discover beautiful, uncomplicated, effortless beauty
da Vinci as well as more modern masters such as Escher and Salvador Dali. His eagerness to continuously grow as an artist has helped him achieve a level of expertise in digital artistry which is widely appreciated. He has an insatiable desire to create art every day and share it with the world. Just as he finds inspiration all around him, he aims to impart inspiration to others through his fantasy creations, and hopes you will enjoy his art as much as he has enjoyed creating it. Monty says: “I would like to tell my story to others showing that ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’ and that you should never give up hope but believe in yourself and live to fight another day.”
Tavistock Festival 2019 Tavistock Festival 2019 builds on the 15-year legacy established by our retiring chairman, Christopher Kirwin, with an exciting programme including a variety of daytime and evening arts events and exhibitions in a number of local venues. Within the festival period we will hear the South West Chamber Choir, Mount Kelly Choral Society, Devon County Youth Brass Band, a concert for children, as well as instrumental lunchtime concerts and talks, an artists’ market and a singing workshop. This year’s festival is just after Easter and welcomes a new chairman, Dr Sean Sweeney, who spent many years as a music director of schools, orchestras and choirs, as well as twenty years as a headteacher. For more festival details see our April/May issue or contact Dr Sean Sweeney on 01822 610769.
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DARTMOOR’S ART GALLERY Representing the region’s finest artists 5 Brook Street | Tavistock | PL19 0HD 52
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Art, felting, jewellery, embroidery workshops & classes
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MUSIC & ART
Thursday 7 March
Leveret Leveret is a unique collaboration of three of England’s finest folk musicians, Andy Cutting (button accordion), Sam Sweeney (fiddle) and Rob Harbron (concertina), each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Leveret’s music is firmly rooted in the English tradition but sounds fresh and new. Their most recent album Inventions features entirely original material that brings Leveret’s trademark groove, energy and intuitive playing to bear on a set of new tunes composed by the trio. With consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity, the Leveret trio relies on mutual trust and musical interaction to create new settings of their repertoire in the moment, with no two performances alike. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in timeless music-making. Fiddler Sam Sweeney was the 2015 BBC Folk Awards Musician of the Year, he also directs the National Youth Folk Ensemble and is known for his work in Bellowhead, Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band, The Full English and his own Made In The Great War project. Melodeon genius Andy Cutting, a four-time BBC Folk Awards Best Musician,
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is a compelling solo performer and currently works with Blowzabella, Topette, June Tabor and Roger Daltry. Concertina wizard Rob Harbron leads the English Acoustic Collective summer school and is known for his work with The Full English (Best Group and Best Album BBC Folk Awards 2014) and Jon Boden. Doors and bar open 7.00pm, performance 8.00pm at Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock, PL18 9QX. Tickets: £14 advance, £15 door, £1 reduction for Friends of Calstock Arts, £8 under 18s – available at calstockarts.ticketsolve.com, 01726 879500 or Limekiln Gallery, Calstock.
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NATIONAL TRUST
Spring at Cotehele The estate at Cotehele covers 1300 acres, with woodland, fields, industrial ruins, riverside and quay. Pull on your boots, wrap up warm and come and explore the miles of footpaths here. The garden is full of the joys of spring too, with snowdrops, crocuses, hellebores and daffodils in flower, to name but a few. After your walk you could warm up with a hot drink, snack or meal in the Edgcumbe tea-room on the quay or the Barn restaurant by the house. Both are open daily from 10am-4pm and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join you for a break in both. The shop and gallery re-open on 9 February and our new children’s trail begins then too. Cotehele house and mill open for our Daffodil Festival on 9 March. See our website for more info on these and other events: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cotehele.
APPLE GRAFTING WEEKEND AT COTEHELE Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 February, 10am-4pm. Learn how to graft your own apple tree with more than 20 local varieties to choose from. No need to book, just drop in. £5 per grafted tree, usual admission applies
BUSHCRAFT FOR KIDS AT COTEHELE Monday 18, Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20 February, 10.30am12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm each day. Build a shelter, light a fire and learn how to survive in the wild with our partner Jack, at Serious Outdoor Skills. £6 per child (suitable for ages 7-14), booking essential on 01579 351346.
DAFFODIL FESTIVAL AT COTEHELE Saturday 9 to Sunday 24 March, 11am-4pm. Join us for a fortnight celebrating all things daffodil! There’ll be displays, ID tours, sculptures by NAFAS, children’s trail and more. Normal admission charge applies, NT members free.
Awaken senses Add someyour colour to at Cotehele your weekendthis thisspring Take in the vibrant colours of spring autumn at Gibside with a walk around the Cotehele garden and estate. It's the perfect way to clear your mind andand recharge your Go crunching through fallen leaves discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking batteries. routes for all ages and abilities. nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele When youvisit, visit,donate, donate,volunteer volunteer National Trust, When you or or joinjoin thethe National Trust, youryour support helpsus ustotolook lookafter after special places Tavistock support helps special places <inaround the region> <like such as Cotehele, and Lydford Gorge for everyone. property X,Buckland property YAbbey and Proeprty Z> in for ever,for forever, everyone. © National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent charity, number 205846. © National registered charity,registered number 205846. Photography Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Chris Lacey. Images.
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NATIONAL TRUST
In touch with nature at Lydford Gorge The walks to Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide are open during daylight hours through February, then from Saturday 2 March the whole gorge, including the roaring Devil’s Cauldron pothole, will reopen. A walk through the naturally wild environment of the gorge can help reconnect you with nature and clear the stresses of the modern world from your mind. There are also loads of family activities this February halfterm at the gorge; visit the website or call 01822 820320 for more details. The shop and both tea-rooms will be open from Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 February, 11am to 3.30pm, and then every day from Saturday 2 March, 10am-5pm. Fancy trying the new Lydford stack? A griddled cheese scone stacked with hot bacon, melting brie, fresh tomatoes and onion chutney. A lunch time indulgence to see you through whatever you’ve got planned.
SENSORY EXPLORER TRAIL Sat 16 to Sun 24 Feb, 11am-2.30pm Are you up for exploring both Finch Foundry and Lydford Gorge with all five senses? Pick up an explorer sheet and tick off
textures, sounds, sights, smells and tastes to collect both stickers and win your sensory explorer badge.
BUILD A BIRD BOX Sat 16 Feb, 12-3pm Make your own bird box, materials and guidance provided by the ranger team. £6 per bird box, booking advisable
FUN WITH FIRE Mo 18 Feb & Sat 23 Mar, 12-2pm Learn how to light a fire without matches, then cook up some tasty ‘dough on a stick’ over the flames. £2.50 per person, booking advisable
BUG HOME MAKING Fri 22 Feb, 11.30am-1.30pm Construct a home for all sorts of creepy crawlies. £2.50 per person, booking advisable Normal admission applies to events
Get back to nature Add some colour to at Lydford Gorge your weekend this Waterfall walks open autumn at Gibside during February then the full gorge reopens from Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and2 abilities. Saturday March
nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01822 820320 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your
helps usTrust to look 2018. after special places <in the region> <like ©support National The National property property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. Trust isX,an independent registered charity, number 205846. © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust #nationaltrust Photography © National Trust Images. #nationaltrust Images\Dianne Giles.
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NATIONAL TRUST
Adventures at Buckland Abbey Dust off the cobwebs at Buckland Abbey this winter, as throughout February, the estate, garden, restaurant and shop will open up on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm. This is an excellent time of year to fulfil that new year’s resolution of getting outside and exploring the outdoors. Why not find a place of peace and tranquillity in the Cider House garden? Or perhaps bring family and friends for an afternoon of fun in the higher paddock play area as you zoom down the zip wire? And of course no visit would be complete without a hot chocolate or two in the Ox Yard Restaurant.
VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT DAYS Saturday/Sunday 2nd-3rd March Have you ever wanted to start volunteering, but weren’t sure where to begin? We can help! Drop in between 11:30-2pm to hear more.
The whole property fully reopens daily from 16th February; including the abbey, just in time for February half-term. There’s lots for families to do during the school break, from family crafting sessions to the return of the popular Naturemake.
FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Saturday 16th- Sunday 24th February There’s so much for all the family to enjoy this February half-term at Buckland Abbey. From crafts to trails, walks to dressing up, it’s a great place for an adventure.
Discover world filled Add somea colour to with your adventure weekend this Buckland Abbey autumn atof Gibside Discover stories life on the high seas and beautiful collections that bring Buckland to life. Explore one of our woodland trails Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest or let off some steam in the play park. teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking Come create your adventure today. routes forand all ages and abilities. Call 01822 853607 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey When you visit, donate, volunteer join the National When you visit, donate, volunteer or join theor National Trust, your support your helps us to look after special places <inafter the region> <like Trust, support helps us to look special places property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, everyone. National Trust South West for ever, forfor everyone. © National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. © National Trust registered charity, 205846. Photography ©number National TrustPhotography Images\495867 NT image Images. library.
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BOOK REVIEW
Book Review Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
In this treasure trove of observations on the modern condition, its challenges and paradoxes, Haig draws on his own challenges, past and present, and on disparate sources, from Tolstoy to Yuval Noah Harari, C.S. Lewis to Zadie Smith and Lao Tzu to Dave Eggers, to provide real insight into the interaction between modern technology and society and the extent to which the former can undermine or even usurp the latter. Whilst discussing the disruptive path which we are seemingly almost inexorably called to follow by the
impact of technological ‘progress’, in his own passionate, but humorous and humane style, Haig also emphasizes that there is still the possibility for us all to take stock, take time, tune out of the madness that is upon us and tune in to the beauty and joy that life can still serve up. Published by Canongate: £12.99
Mad Blood Stirring by
Simon Mayo
Historical fiction by the renowned BBC broadcaster set in 19th century Dartmoor Prison. New in paperback from Transworld £8.99
The Ice Monster by
David Walliams
More great storytelling from one of the UK’s favourite children’s authors. HarperCollins £14.99
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver A beautiful edition of a beautiful book from a bestselling US literary author Faber & Faber £20
The Spy and the Traitor by Ben MacIntyre
Latest offering from the modern master of true-life espionage stories. Penguin Viking £25 Review and recommendations by Simon Church, Book Stop, Tavistock
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Caring for People in the Community
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FOOD & WINE
Wine trends and all that malarkey Dry January... What’s that all about? As a wine enthusiast, importer and someone who has spent their life promoting wines, I feel I must voice my opinion on this ‘trendy fad’. Wine is fundamentally a product for pleasure, so why choose what is usually the gloomiest time of the year to deny yourself what is one of life’s most natural and accessible pleasures. Drinking in moderation surely has to be the key. Can I suggest that if the followers of this ‘trendy fad’ are truly concerned about their wine intake, then why not abstain routinely for a number of days a week. Alcohol, since the year dot, has been valued for its ability to help us relax. With all the pressures and uncertainties of modern-day life, surely an aid to relaxation is not such a bad thing? On a more serious and wine focused note, fads and trends are always going to Influence our drinking habits. Whether deliberately or unconsciously we are all influenced and susceptible to the pressures of what we read, hear and see. There is no doubt that we are prone to be weak-willed and gullible as we mimic those who inspire and influence us. The power of advertising. Music also has been proven to not only seduce us into a fantasy frame of mind but also influence us in our shopping habits. A leading market research company in the 80s was able to prove that by playing a music of a specific country down the aisle of a supermarket, it could inadvertently influence the sale of wines that related to that country’s music – with Germanic oom-pah music, up went the sales of German rieslings; the clatter of castanets and the vino of Espana flew off the shelves - you get the picture. For those of a certain age, cast your mind back to the late 70s with the BBC’s hit series Brideshead Revisited. A hugely popular insight as to how the other half lives. Remember too the two leading characters with their insatiable thirst for sancerre. As a consequence, sales of this wine went through the roof, as indeed I am sure did the sales of teddy bears.
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If statistics are to be believed, when villain JR Ewing and his family ruled Dallas the total sales of chablis outstripped the actual amount of chablis produced. Our friends across the pond could not get enough of this wine, and the French producers were not going miss an opportunity. Currently we seem to be experiencing a fascination with ‘the housewife’s ruin’, namely gin. High profile and slick marketing has seen sales of gin rocket. Mark my words the next big thing will be rum - now we are talking. There can be no doubt that the greatest tangible factors when monitoring our wine fads is food. Whilst the classic styled wines will always be sought by their loyal devotees, many of today’s foodies are eager to find wines that complement their food. With access to foreign travel and endless food programmes on the telly, one is so aware that food and wines are intrinsically linked. As an importer we continue to see ever-growing growth and demand for the wines of Europe. Wines that are appreciated for their restraint and elegance, wines that tend to complement rather than overwhelm the modern style of international cuisine. Whatever your personal preferences are in wines, people like me are always happy to help and advise, admittedly with our own bias. Whatever pressure you might feel is there to coax and influence your buying habits, try as many of the options as you can and draw your own conclusions. You are always right.
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Charles Steevenson
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MUSIC & ART OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE
Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers A 4-mile walk around Bere Ferrers with John Brewer of Tavistock Ramblers. This is a varied walk with stunning views of the Tamar estuary, along tracks, quiet lanes and footpaths. The walk has some ups and downs, but not steep, and may be muddy in places after rain. There are eight stiles. It starts from the war memorial close to the Old Plough Inn in Bere Ferrers (SX459635) The war memorial commemorates not only those from Bere Ferrers who gave their lives in the two World Wars but also ten New Zealand soldiers who died in a tragic accident at Bere Ferrers station in 1917. Walk down the hill past the Old Plough Inn. Follow the road past the old chapel around to the left to reach a junction.
Turn left, signed to Shutecombe. Pass the farm on the left and continue ahead up the slope and through a gate at the end of the lane into a field. Keep the fence on your left until coming to a stile in the corner. After a second stile turn immediately left at a waymark towards a ladder stile and the road. Take care here as it may be muddy. Turn right along the road for 30m and take the footpath on the left across a field. Exit the field by a small gate, bear right
SPRING EVENTS Valentines – 14th February
Bring your loved one for a relaxed evening and dinner, £29.95 per person, bookings from 6.30pm til 9.00pm. Why not stay over for a real treat!
Wedding Open Evening – Thursday 28th February 4.00pm till 7.00pm If you have made the commitment to the next stage of your lives together come and visit to see how the Crystal Room looks and to discuss how we can help make your day.
Tea Tasting and Cocktail Making – 29th March How does tea tasting and tea based cocktail making sound as a way to start your weekend? £20 per person
Mothering Sunday – 31st March Make Mum’s Day – Lunch or Afternoon Tea in our fabulous Crystal Room, lunch is between 12.00 and 2.00pm at £24.95 per adult and afternoon tea between 3.30pm and 5.30pm at £18.95 per adult. Children £15 each for both events
To book any of these do please call our Events Team on 01822 852245 or email events@moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk Full details of these and other offers are available on our website moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton, Plymouth PL20 6DA 60
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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE
through the garden, follow the footpath up the tarmac drive until you reach the road. Turn right, passing the railway station on the left. (If time allows, the Tamar Belle & Heritage Centre would be worth a visit at the station). Otherwise follow the road for about 750m. There are great views before the road drops down to Tuckham Bridge. Just before a sharp corner take the footpath on the left beside a stream. After 20m go through the gate and turn left. Follow the footpath over two stiles keeping the stream on the right until you reach the gate at Liphill Quay. Pass through the gate, turn right and after 30m turn left at the waymark over a boardwalk which may be slippery. With the river on the right go through a metal gate. Proceed along the footpath passing through two gates until you reach a stile into a field. Follow the field boundary, still with the river on the right, until you reach the turning for Thorn Point. Turn sharp left here following the wire fence uphill to a field gate. Pass through the gate, still keeping the wire fence on the right. Go through another gate and straight ahead to a metal gate. Go over the stile onto a track.
Bear right downhill and under the railway bridge into Bere Ferrers. At a road junction continue straight ahead walking down hill to a T-junction opposite the Social Club. Turn right and walk back to the war memorial. Why not join Tavistock Ramblers for more walks in West Devon, the Tamar Valley or Dartmoor? Walks vary from short strolls to all-day treks and everything in between. We have short walks in the Tamar Valley on 27th February and 2nd March and several on Dartmoor in the next few weeks. Go to www.tavistockramblers.org.uk for further details of walks on offer
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HISTORY
Tavistock Guildhall An abbreviated article from Tavistock’s Yesterdays Vol 13 written by the late Gerry Woodcock and published with the kind permission of Norma Woodcock. In one of his acts of generosity, the last Abbot of Tavistock, John Peryn, made a gift of property and money to a Philip Williams, “in consideration of his good and trew services to us”. The property was “our howse, next to the Yeld Halle”. The year was 1537. The mention of the “Yeld Halle”, or Guildhall, is possibly the first documentary reference to a building which, at that time, was a novel addition to the Tavistock landscape. Built by one of the town’s guilds, probably the prestigious Jesus Guild, it occupied a prominent position in what is now the middle of Bedford Square. Escaping the fate that befell most of the nearby monastic buildings after the dissolution of the abbey in 1539, the Guildhall survived until the middle of the nineteenth century. Its primary function was that of a courthouse. Justice in the town had been traditionally dispensed under the skies. The Guildhall was to provide it with its first identifiable, permanent home. The building was, however, over its life of more than three centuries, to offer also facilities for a range of public and civic activities during a period when the town lacked suitable meeting places other than the churches. The role played by the Guildhall over the years in the history of Tavistock receives occasional mention. For example, in 1644, in the middle of the Civil War, prisoners-of-war from the parliamentary army were confined there, and, reportedly,
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treated badly and half-starved. Later in that turbulent century the building featured as the civic headquarters of the town during the brief period in the 1680s when Tavistock was an incorporated borough. Here, in state, sat the mayor and corporation, exercising their powers of local self-government. An oaken panel displaying the arms of Tavistock and dated 1684, which originally formed part of the mayor’s seat, remained in the Guildhall, and was later transferred to the town hall, from where it sadly disappeared at some point in the middle of the twentieth century. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, the inadequacies of the Guildhall were the subject of growing concern. In an age when public interest in a range of political and social issues was heightened, the need for an adequate venue for meetings became more pressing. The Guildhall was small and inconvenient. Moreover, the state of the fabric, of the pavement around it, and of the gutter running under it, were the subjects of frequent complaint. The recipient of such grumbles was the Duke of Bedford’s steward, as the Duke owned the building. For a conscientious steward like John Benson, the state of the old edifice provided him with a succession of headaches throughout the 1830s and 1840s. The magistrates were concerned about the state of the attached prison, familiarly the ‘Clink’, and they highlighted that ‘there
HISTORY
The cells
is no provision for warming it in winter, and that the privy is in a corner of the apartment’. Benson wearily responded: “I am not aware that the prison at the guildhall is any worse than it has been heretofore. The building altogether is so, certainly, from the effects of time, but if within any moderate number of years a new guildhall and prison is to be built it would be very injudicious to expend much in making an alteration of the present building”. In 1841 he noted that, after a storm, ‘The old guildhall has got several large holes in it’. In April 1845 the clerk to the Tavistock magistrates, Robert Luxton, was requested by the Home Office to furnish details of the Guildhall as part of a national survey of the condition of local courthouses. He observed that the building was the property of the Duke, and that no rent was payable. Of the state of repair, he wrote: ‘The Guildhall comprises one room only, and is very inconveniently constructed for the purpose of holding petty sessions, as the magistrates can scarcely deliberate upon a case without being heard by some of the spectators. It is also in a very dilapidated state’. It was now clear that the building was inadequate in each of its three roles, as courthouse, assembly room, and prison. Benson pressed his master to agree to a replacement. The seventh Duke accepted the argument. A careful search was made to try to identify an existing building that could be adapted to serve as the new Guildhall, and the town mill at Parkwood was examined with this in mind, but it was finally decided that a new purpose-built construction was unavoidable. The Duke thereupon signed a cheque for £4000*. The old Guildhall was demolished. For many years thereafter two surviving features, iron cell-doors could be found doing useful service, one in the oven of William Johns’ Duke Street bakery and the other guarding Kilworthy House’s wine cellar. The old site was cleared and, a few yards away, a new Guildhall was built, and formally opened on Thursday 28 September 1848. It occupied a site where, for centuries, from the eleventh
century onwards, the monks had operated their mill. The new construction was described at the time as comprising ‘an extensive room in which the court is held, a magistrates’ room and other apartments, under which is the Bridewell comprising six cells, a dwelling for the police superintendent, a fire engine station etc’. Contemporaries also noted that it was erected, not only on the site, but ‘in imitation of the style’, of the old monastic buildings. A few years on, and it was to provide both a backdrop to the statue of its creator and a complement to another part of his architectural legacy to Tavistock, the town hall. In the twentieth century ownership was transferred to Devon County Council. As the century drew to a close the centurieslong tradition of locally administered justice was ended with the abrupt closure of the court in 2000. The Guildhall, a fine and proud building and a significant part of our community heritage, was left to await its twenty-first century fate. Alex Mettler
Tavistock Heritage Trust
In March 2018 the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £817,800 towards a total project cost of £1,645,007 to conserve the Guildhall and provide a World Heritage Site Interpretation Centre. The centre (scheduled to open in July 2020) will be run by Tavistock Heritage Trust in partnership with Tavistock Town Council. *On an ‘average wages’ basis, the £4,000 paid by the Duke is equivalent to c.£2.5 million today.
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TECH HELP
Tech tips from ChezvousPC If you are frustrated by the time it takes your machine to do things, then maybe it’s time to consider a Solid State Drive. SSDs operate very much more quickly than standard spinning drives and make a real difference to any machine. It is a relatively straightforward process to upgrade and is not that costly. To upgrade a laptop to a 240gb SSD will cost just £116. For a PC it is a little more as a bracket needs to be added so that would make it £123.50. If 240gb is not enough capacity for you, a 480gb SSD would be a further £10 to the prices above. The process means leaving your machine here for a couple of days to do the work but you won’t regret it! Firefox was just about the only ‘mainstream’ browser still being updated on the Vista system, but it is now no longer suitable for Vista PCs or XP. Also, Norton Security (our preferred anti-virus) will not update to the latest version – never a good sign. If you are still using a Vista Windows PC or XP, then you should really consider getting it changed now.
We can help with that; we understand there is a lot of ‘bad press’ regarding Windows 10, but we can make it really easy to use and you won’t find it so bad after all. Windows 7 users - are you no longer getting Windows updates? Usually if you have ‘a n other antivirus’, the Windows Defender gets turned off. If that is the case, the Windows Update will not be working and your PC will be going out of date, which we all know is undesirable. Turn on Windows Defender and update it, then go to the Windows update program and get it to check and then it WILL work. If you cannot do this, then we can do it while we tidy up your computer TIM, Tim and Carol – ChezvousPC For help with any home or business IT needs, give us a ring on 01822 855822 or visit chezvouspc.com
PC, Tablet & Mac Help for home or business Got a computer problem at home or office? We are the LOCAL help you have been looking for! We sell new PCs, laptops, tablets, printers, etc. We can even set your new equipment up for you. Got a virus? We can remove it. We also fix and maintain all Apple Macs and iPads. Also networking, cabling, broadband issues, email, etc. Range of experience with people of all ages/abilities for teaching.
Find Us On
f Search chezvouspc Call us on 01822 855822 for an engineer visit
help@chezvouspc.com
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
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Growing together
Call in and see us for all your motoring needs MOT•SERVICING•SHOP
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KITCHEN LOOKING TIRED AND IN NEED OF REFURBISHMENT?
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To promote your business to 20,700* readers - call 01822 615627
editorial@tavylinks.co.uk
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PROPERTY UPDATE
How to sell your home in 2019 We met up with Andrew and Sue Kirby, directors of Kirby Estate Agents in Tavistock and Yelverton, who have been selling properties for over 30 years. Tavistock, Yelverton and surrounding villages all have one thing in common, they are vibrant, thriving communities where people want to live. In many respects they form a ‘golden area’ where house prices have held up remarkably well compared to other areas of the country. People move here from all over the UK, and overseas, as the area has so much to offer Dartmoor, shops and markets, healthy leisure activities e.g. walking, running, cycling, bowls, cricket…fresh clean air!
Proximity to Plymouth and Exeter keeps prices stable There are many reasons people move house such as: employment, upsizing and downsizing, releasing capital, family changes, retirement, access to amenities in town/countryside. The trend in ‘buying to let’, has seen a decline since government stamp duty changes; buying a property for investment purposes is now more for the long-term investor. Many people move to jobs in the cities but prefer to live in commutable rural towns and villages, so our proximity to Plymouth and Exeter keeps prices stable.
Choosing an Estate Agent
tempted by national online agents who appear to offer low, but upfront fees (there is usually more to pay than you think). At Kirby Estate Agents we only collect a fee when the house is sold (no sale, no fee). There is no incentive for online agencies to work hard for you or get you the best price if you pay them upfront. A key to selling houses is keeping the process moving. Check if your estate agent offers a dedicated sales progressor, one person focused on progressing your house sale who will liaise with your solicitor, chase your buyer’s solicitor, talk direct to your buyer, keep you informed every step of the way and ensure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible. Property walkthrough videos can bring a property to life and offer the prospective buyer a real sense of what the house is like to live in. Although a traditional estate agent, Kirby Estate Agents also has a very modern approach, now offering drone technology to capture aerial views of the property and gardens.
viewing a house, and won’t ask the questions they want to ask when the owner of the property is present. During a viewing an agent can find out what the buyer likes and dislikes about the property, answer all their questions and allow them time to experience what it is like to live there. Watch out for agents who come in and overprice your house just to win your instruction! Ask the agent about the valuation evidence and do your own research online - ‘sold house prices’ are available on most property portal menus (e.g. Rightmove, Zoopla and Primelocation).
First impressions count Clutter! Get rid of your clutter and present your rooms as light, spacious areas. The approach to your house is important as first impressions influence buyers, so sort out flaking front door and window paint and overgrown paths. If rooms are full of ‘stuff’ people just remember the mess and clutter; if you have empty rooms, give them a purpose. If you’re thinking of moving this year call us for a chat, we are always happy to give free advice.
Firstly, stay local – choose a local agent, who knows the local housing market and understands the real value of properties. Secondly, you need an agent who will spend time with you; this is a people business and sellers want to deal with people they like. Some might be
Prospective buyers don’t want to be rushed when viewing a house
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To promote your business to 20,700* readers - call 01822 615627
Choose an agent who offers accompanied viewings. Prospective buyers don’t want to be rushed when
Andrew and Sue Kirby Kirby Estate Agents, 01822 612010
editorial@tavylinks.co.uk
Thinking of buying or selling? Why choose us? Independent Family-Run Business « Experienced Dedicated Team Dedicated Sales Progressor « On All Major Property Websites Appointments At A Time To Suit You « High Quality Photography and Video Plus Drone Technology
Your local team of experts
Francesca Sawyer Sales Co-ordinator
Andrew Kirby MNAEA Director
Donna Warr Sales Progressor
Sue Kirby Director
Barbara Beadle Sales Negotiator
Kim Smallacombe Valuer/Sales Negotiator
Jade Batten Sales Negotiator
Jill Hooson Sales Negotiator
Abi Shaw Apprentice Sales Negotiator
Our customers like our personal approach... ...they never get lost in the crowd!
Please call us now for a FREE no-obligation valuation on 01822 612010 Main Office: Market Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0BW sales@kirbyestateagents.co.uk • www.kirbyestateagents.co.uk
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