TAVY LINKS October / November 2018
Issue 33
TAVISTOCK • MARY TAVY • KILWORTHY • MOORTOWN • WHITCHURCH • HORNDON • LAMERTON • GRENOFEN • BRENTOR GULWORTHY • PETER TAVY • HORSEBRIDGE • MILTON ABBOT
WW1 CENTENARY WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
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PAGES OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES INSIDE THIS ISSUE: VILLAGE NEWS •• GARDENING •• EDUCATION •• FOOD •• HEALTH •• HISTORY •• WHAT’S ON GARDENING Go ‘wild’ this autumn - Sue Fisher explains how to make the most of wild flowers
CHARITY Battling On – an award-winning CIC supporting veterans and vulnerable young people
WHAT’S ON WW1 centenary, theatre productions, exhibitions, fireworks & seasonal fairs
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One hundred years later... The deadline date for any inclusions in the December/ January issue of Tavy Links will be 24th October 2018. For all editorial enquiries please contact Rosemary via email: rosemary.best@linksmagazines.co.uk
THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Rosemary Best Deputy Editor: Nichola Williams Design: Sara Venner, Julian Rees Customer Services: Rachel Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel
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We’ve spotted Harry Otter 7 times in the magazine. Can
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The First World War became a global battle on a scale that had never been witnessed before, leaving inconceivable death and destruction in its wake. An estimated eight million soldiers and nine million civilians died, with innumerable others damaged physically or mentally, while homes, businesses and infrastructure were obliterated. The horrors of World War One should never be forgotten and as this year’s poppy appeal launches on 25 October for the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, this issue focuses on some of the ways the centenary has been commemorated nationally, as well as events taking place in the local community. We are very grateful to local historian Alex Mettler from Tavistock Heritage Trust, who has written our history article, and also agreed to be one of our featured local people. Kaye has been to meet the founder of multi-award-winning charity, Battling On, which supports not only veterans, but also some of the West Country’s most vulnerable young people; Nichola met up with Charles Crichton, ‘a navy man through and through’, while I went to see Rupert and Annie Gude and find out about their fascinating WW1 exhibition.
Rosemary Best 18
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32
Editor
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Contents 5 Community News
29 Naturalist
58 Outdoors & Active
11 Education
31 Farming Diary
60 History
12 Book Review
32 The centenary of WW1
62 Business
13 Kids’ What’s On
34 What’s On
64 Tech Tips
14 Local People
45 What’s On Extra
70 Trade Secrets
18 Charity Focus
50 National Trust
21 Health & Wellbeing
53 Music & Art
24 Gardening
56 Food & Wine
@moorlinks Cover photo by Guy Harrop, courtesy of RHS Garden Rosemoor – see our feature article on pages 32 & 33
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Tavistock VIC in full swing again Tavistock Visitor Information Centre reopened in August, more than four years after it was closed during local government cutbacks. The revived service is now entirely provided by a team of volunteers who donate their time to help visitors and locals find out more about what’s on offer in the town and the local area. As before, the VIC is situated in Court Gate, the ancient archway in Bedford Square which used to serve as the main gate into the courtyard of Tavistock Abbey. The volunteers quickly found their stride, assisting almost 400 visitors in the first four days and almost 1,400 before the end of August. Popular enquiries included walking on Dartmoor, cycling routes, beauty spots in the Tamar Valley and recommendations on how to spend an afternoon in Tavistock, plus accommodation advice. Many visitors were also curious about the town’s history and Tavistock’s status as a World Heritage Site. From September, the VIC will operate longer hours and will also open on Tuesdays. A small selection of retail products, including a colourful poster by a local artist, will also be available for visitors, with a focus on maps, walking guides and introductions to Tavistock’s history. The new VIC will have a strong heritage theme, a reflection of both Tavistock’s rich history and the centre’s management - Tavistock Heritage Trust. In keeping with the trust’s objectives, the primary goal of the VIC will be to inform the public about the fascinating history and heritage of Tavistock and its surroundings. The VIC will, for instance, be a hub for heritage walking tours around
the town, offering both self-guided walks and others led by local historians. Chairman of the trust Andrew Main, said: “This is a huge achievement for the trust and the culmination of a great deal of work. Our goal is for the VIC to be a beacon in the middle of the town, directing visitors and locals both to local businesses and attractions and to Tavistock’s unique heritage.”
The VIC’s long-term future will be dependent on local people giving their time by volunteering to staff the centre – this is an exciting role with plenty of variety and interest. If you would like to volunteer or become a ‘Friend of Tavistock Visitor Information Centre’, visit www.heritageintavistock. org/vic or call Geri Parlby on 01822 852102 or drop into the VIC for a chat. To contact the VIC, email hello@visit-tavistock.co.uk or ring 01822 612938. The centre is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10.30am and 4pm.
BID Winter Festival Tavistock Business Improvement District (BID) has been delighted with the beautiful hanging baskets adorning businesses and shops this summer - they have brought wonderful colour to the town. BID has also been very pleased with the success of the many different events held throughout the town for the Summer Festival and is now focusing on an exciting schedule of events planned for the Winter Festival. Continuing links with the local chamber of commerce and town council, plans for Goose Fair, half-term, events in the square over November, and Dickensian Evening are all taking shape. Running throughout half-term week (20th – 27th October), the popular town trail will have a spooky twist with the ‘Trick or
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
Treat Trail’ and there will be even more Halloween-themed events in Bedford Square on 26th October. This busy time of year provides an excellent opportunity to attract more visitors to the town, supporting local businesses and other Tavistock attractions. There will be a number of other events as part of the BID Winter Festival so please look out for more information on our facebook and at visit-tavistock.co.uk. In August, Robin Rich of I Love Candy decided to step down both as chairman of Tavistock BID and from the board of directors. He has devoted many hours to the BID, for which it is very grateful, and everyone wishes him well in the future. A new chairman will be appointed in due course.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Rotary Round-up All too soon, my year as president of Tavistock Rotary has come to an end and in the summer, I handed over to my good friend Norrie Philip at a celebration attended by the mayor and mayoress, along with guests we work with closely from the Lions, Inner Wheel, Tavistock Heritage and the Sensory Garden. Norrie announced plans for a busy schedule of events including Goose Fair, Dickensian Evening, outings for Santa Claus in the lead up to Christmas, the CHICKS Santa Run and the Christmas Day Lunch at the URC as well as collecting for local charities and our main charity, Tavistock Triangle Centre. Norrie said: “We will continue to promote Young Photographer and Youth Speaks, and will definitely repeat the very successful Tavistock Young Artist Exhibition. As government cuts bite, we also need
to redouble our support for Junior Life Skills and South West Youth Games.” Rotary is also an international charity and Tavistock Rotary continues to work with the UN and Bill Gates to rid the world of polio and support ShelterBox in helping people survive disasters. However, this year, we will join a major project led by Dawlish Water Rotary to build sand dams in Kenya enabling communities to access fresh water and rich soil in some of the driest places – more details to come but look up ‘sand dams’ on Google! Finally, as Norrie reminded us, Tavistock Rotary enjoys a great social life, and plans for this year include barbecues, poetry evenings, quizzes, skittles, snooker, boules, most of which involve food and drink, as well as our legendary Christmas party! We welcome new members and it would be great to see you at any of these events. Graham Parker To get involved with Tavistock Rotary activities or help with fundraising, contact Graham Parker on 07545 075942 or grahamparker1@me.com
Join the spirit of Christmas! Community groups, businesses and organisations are being invited to enter Tavistock Parish Church’s Christmas Tree Festival (Nov 30 to Dec 9) in its 700th anniversary year. The Friends of St Eustachius’ Church are hoping to make 2018’s festival even more successful than last year’s recordbreaker, when 66 trees were viewed by 11,500 visitors. The Tree Festival is a spectacular sight and launches the spirit of Christmas in Tavistock, bringing in people from near and far – it’s an ideal way of promoting your cause and helping St Eustachius’ raise funds. Entrants choose the theme and size of their tree - for full details and entry forms contact Pat Morrison on 01822 613614/07432 520553 or p.morrison29@btinternet.com
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COMMUNITY NEWS
First Sensory Garden Party It all started over three years ago when Rotary, Lions, Roots to Transition and Tavistock Town Council came together with ideas for a sensory garden and boules court, with community food growing. On a derelict, unused putting green in The Meadows, this group of local organisations worked tirelessly to create what the Mayor of Tavistock, Councillor Paul Ward described as ‘a beautiful, living, example of what can be achieved through collaboration between the voluntary, private and public sectors’. On a beautiful summer afternoon, over 200 people enjoyed the sights and smells of the garden at the first Sensory Garden Party. There was a chance to play petanque, or bowls at the Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club, and a wonderful spread of tea, cakes and buns provided by town centre businesses and friends of the Sensory Garden. Sensory Garden Trust chairman Graham Parker, welcomed everyone explaining: “The Sensory Garden aims to provide a safe, soothing, accessible place where memories can be revisited by people living with dementia, their families and carers. However, it has vastly exceeded our original expectations. Many people with a variety of medical conditions, others just seeking peace and quiet, and many children, are already spending time with us in the garden, as visitors and volunteers.” Graham paid tribute to the
many sponsors, including Tesco, Tavistock Town Council, the National Lottery, Kinship Connect and dozens of people and organisations who have helped to make the scheme possible – as well as offering special thanks to the Bowls Club, whose support rescued the garden from disaster in the summer drought. He was also proud to announce that Churchill Retirement Homes has sponsored the garden to the magnificent tune of £25,000, enabling a number of further enhancements to the garden. For more information or to become a Friend of the Sensory Garden contact info_tcsg@btinternet.com
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Bringing the library to your doorstep Calling book lovers! A popular home library service run by Royal Voluntary Service, the national volunteering organisation, is calling for more volunteers to assist readers who wish to use this free service in Tavistock and the surrounding areas. Devon Home Library Service delivers books to people who no longer get to a library due to mobility issues, ill health or caring responsibilities. Royal Voluntary Service volunteers choose and deliver books, sharing their love of reading and providing a friendly face and regular visitor to people whose mobility and social interaction may be limited. The provision can be long-term or temporary, as well as including people who can sometimes visit the library themselves on a good day, whereas at other times they cannot. Some readers choose their books online and then volunteers deliver them. Books can be provided in normal print, large print, audio and, increasingly, electronic formats. Cathy Saunders, service manager for Devon Home Library Service says: “For people who enjoy reading or listening to an audio recording but find getting to the library challenging, this service offers a vital link to books. The volunteer’s visit can
assist in alleviating feelings of isolation and loneliness. We want to reach more rural areas of the county and link even more people to libraries enabling them to benefit from this free service.” Royal Voluntary Service has been inspiring and enabling people to give the gift of voluntary service to meet the needs of the day for 80 years. Today, that’s supporting older people to stay healthy and happy, and helping the NHS. With an army of 20,000 volunteers, the charity provides support in the community, at home and in hospital. To find out more about getting books brought to your doorstep by Devon Home Library Service or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer call Cathy Saunders on 07786 635163 or email cathy.saunders@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or visit royalvoluntaryservice.org. uk or contact your local library.
Fridays at Lower Deck Cafe There are many cafes in Tavistock, but few that are run entirely by volunteers from the local community. The Lower Deck Cafe meets in the hall, directly below Tavistock United Reformed Church in Russell Street, and opens on Fridays 10.00am - 2.00pm (plus Goose Fair, one of the busiest days of the year!), serving delicious, freshly prepared meals and snacks. The volunteers that keep the cafe alive are from the United Reformed Church and the local community, some with many years of experience, and some new to the role. Recently a ‘Knit and Natter’ group was also set up, meeting from 10am - 12noon; there has been much interest in the group and
Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here!
some generous donations of wool. The group is open to new members – both people who need advice or people who are expert at knitting or crochet. As there is plenty of space in the Lower Deck Hall, the fire service also came along recently to offer free advice on fire prevention in the home. Rev Robert Weston, Minister of the church, is pleased that the Lower Deck Cafe is such an integral part of the local community and said: “We are blessed to have such a wonderful team of volunteers. With the improvements being made to the Lower Deck Hall, I’m sure the cafe will continue to grow and develop.”
Worship at 10.00am every Sunday Halls available for hire Russell Street Tavistock PL19 8BD tavistockurc.org.uk 07982 622949
Minister: Revd Robert Weston tavistockurcminister@gmail.com
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Try something new – volunteer with us Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice (TNMWD) is a local charity that provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on all subjects to members of the local community. Good quality advice can make a huge difference to people’s lives. Four out of five people who came to us for help said the advice they got improved their lives, including reducing stress and improving their finances. Volunteering for TNMWD Citizens Advice not only gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, it allows you to learn new skills and support your local community. We have various volunteering opportunities available but in particular we wish to train more advisers to expand our telephone and digital service. If you can commit to a few hours a week we will give you all the training you need as well as support from a trained supervisor and pay travel expenses.
We are also looking to recruit new trustees who will be responsible for setting the overall strategic direction and development of the charity, for governance and financial controls and for establishing an effective fundraising strategy. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - in particular, from people with legal, fundraising or marketing/ PR experience. The Citizens Advice service is committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality. We encourage and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. To find out more please contact our training officer on trainingofficer@ruraldevoncab.org.uk or 01237 426070 To find out more please contact our training officer on trainingofficer@ruraldevoncab.org.uk or 01237 426070
Local radio hams’ vital role On 31 January 1953, Britain was battered by gale force winds and a tidal surge breached flood defences in 1,200 places. Humber Radio was dealing with a distress call from the SS Levenwood, when it lost power and went off air. However radio amateur Reg Hutcheson-Collins, callsign G3AXS, was monitoring and arranged for a tug to go to the Levenwood’s aid and passed medical advice from a local hospital to the ship’s master. At the time radio amateurs were not permitted to pass what is now known as ‘third party traffic’, but the disaster resulted in an urgent rethink and the amateur radio licence was amended to allow the passing of third-party traffic for a government-approved list, including emergency services. 65 years ago in November 1953, the Radio Amateurs’ Emergency Network (RAYNET) was formed and now has around 2,000 members nationwide.
Fortunately, major emergencies are comparatively rare, so RAYNET trains by providing communications at important sporting and charitable events where cell phone systems are inadequate. Locally these include The Dartmoor Walking Challenge, Callington Carnival - and also Tavistock Goose Fair, when the Plymouth-based radio hams team which covers the whole of the West Devon area, provides vital communications, safety and security links to the emergency services, St John Ambulance and the local councils for Tavistock and West Devon. RAYNET members are all volunteers, also skilled in logistics, planning, incident management and electronics. For more information visit westdevonraynet.org.uk or email west. devon@raynet-uk.net
Walking for fun after injury Having had a personal knee injury, I know that such events can bring your active life to a halt. This year, spurred on by the ‘Dartmoor Walking Festival’ as our initial goal, we worked with our personal trainer to design a 12-week walking fitness program for our patients. Having incorporated the British Heart Foundation recommendations, it is perfect for everyone who wants to return to the active fun and enjoyment of walking, following injury, illness or surgery or if you just want to get fitter! We tailor it for all levels of fitness and ability, setting goals that are personal to your ambition. It is also perfect to use in 10
conjunction with one or more of our ‘lower limb rehab’ classes or Pilates/fitness classes. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with a little help, support and encouragement!
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Tavistock Physio Clinics www.physio-tavistock.co.uk editorial@tavylinks.co.uk
EDUCATION
Are you yearning for some free learning? Union learning centres have become an integral part of the lifelong learning agenda. In April 2010 a community-based adult learning project was set up, in a set of offices above what used to be the historic ‘Officers’ Mess’ at HMP Dartmoor in Princetown. Eight years later, the unionlearn backed project (POA Learning) linked to the HMP Dartmoor Prison Officers Association has provided free learning and up-skilling opportunities to over 7000 learners from the local West Devon community. The only restriction is that applicants must be over 19 years of age to qualify for free unionlearn funded learning. The free and accredited learning courses provided by Taunton & Bridgewater College are taught on a distance learning basis via workbooks and assessments as well as online options. Listed below are just some of the available learning opportunities:
Level 2 in Customer Service Knowledge Level 2 in Principles of Business Administration Level 2 Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Level 2 Principles of Dementia Care Level 2 English Level 2 Maths
Level 2 in Employability Skills Level 2 in End of Life Care Level 2 in Personal and Social Development Level 2 in Equality & Diversity Level 2 in Understanding Mental Health Issues
If you are interested in finding out more please contact:
THE
Online Language Learning Learners can also make an appointment to have a free information, advice and guidance session with POA Learning, learner support worker Ivan Judd, who can also link individuals to the local careers service. Many of our learners have moved onto higher education, improved employment opportunities or simply engaged with learning for learning’s sake.
POA Learning Centre, HMP Dartmoor, Princetown, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6RR; Tel: 01822 322241; Email: ivan.judd@ poalearning.org.uk or Dartmoor@poalearning.org.uk
LEAPING SALMON
Pub, cafe and rooms. Now open. Serving simple and carefully sourced food and drink. Whitchurch Road, Horrabridge, PL20 7TN www.theleapingsalmon.co.uk 01822 851541 See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
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BOOK REVIEW
Book Review From a Low and Quiet Sea by Donal Ryan Published by Doubleday: £12.99
Book Stop top reads for autumn:
Long-listed for this year’s Man Booker Prize, this is a compact tour de force from Irish writer Donal Ryan which takes us from the desperate straits of a middle-class Syrian family looking to flee the conflict there, to a small town in Ireland and its people who have their own hardships to bear. The novel comprises three separate, yet connected stories: Farouk, the Syrian doctor and his young family, Lampy, the Irish adolescent searching for his identity and John, the middle-aged villain seeking to address the sins of his past through the confessional. The differing strains of these three compelling stories are expertly, but seemingly effortlessly, brought together in a dramatic conclusion to a dark but beautiful meditation on the depth of human connectedness.
Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon Borough Press £7.99 Bestselling novel, new in paperpack (with free battenburg recipe!)
Dartmoor A Timeless Landscape Tavicinity £12.00 Lovely introduction to Dartmoor and its towns and villages with colour photographs throughout
There is no Dragon in this Story by Lou Carter and Deborah Allwright Bloomsbury £6.99 Delightful picture book for new readers Review and recommendations by Simon Church, Book Stop, Tavistock
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KIDS WHAT’S ON
HALF TERM FUN BUCKLAND ABBEY HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES 20th to 28th October, 11am – 4.30pm Search for penguins in the house or head out on adventure with Drake and collect stamps from around the world on the yellow route - a whole week’s activities from spooky stories in the abbey to getting creative in the workshops.
Creep through witch’s wood following the spooky trail. Can you escape the clutches of the creepy crawlies to gain your prize? £3, includes prize SPOOKY DAY 28th October, 11am – 3pm
COTEHELE
Get into the spirit of Hallowe’en. Make your very own broomstick, fashion yourself a finger bat and take home a magic wand. Join in the potions class to brew up some strange concoctions. £5 per child
HAUNTING HALLOWEEN AT COTEHELE MILL
THE GARDEN HOUSE
20th to 28th October, 11am – 4pm The mill complex will be decorated for Halloween with staff and volunteers in fancy dress. There will be a children’s trail with treats, plus there might possibly be some scary baking going on. Fancy dress encouraged! Normal admission charges apply HALLOWEEN FUN AT THE QUAY 22nd to 26th October, 12pm – 3pm Join the team at the Quay for a variety of activities. On Monday and Thursday carve pumpkins; Tuesday and Friday make monsters and on Wednesday make frightening masks. Pumpkin carving £3, all other activities £1
LYDFORD GORGE HALLOWEEN TRAIL 20th to 28th October, 10am – 3.30pm
SPACE DETECTIVE WORKSHOP 27th October, 2 - 4.30pm This lively interactive workshop investigates what it actually takes to become an astronaut living and working in space! Jo Richardson of The Space Detectives brings us the Virtual Reality Space Walk Experience! Normal Garden admission applies. Workshop fees – adults free, children under 16yrs £3, children 5yrs and under free
TAVISTOCK BID TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN TRAIL 20th to 27th October Collect your trail sheet from I Love Candy, Kaleidoscope and the Toy Cupboard and decipher the spooky clues to earn a trick or treat through every door, and enter the prize draw. Free event in Tavistock BID summer festival www.visit-tavistock.co.uk
PUMPKIN CARVING AND HALLOWEEN MASK MAKING 26th October Join us on Bedford Square for a day of pumpkin carving and spooky mask making. Free event in Tavistock BID summer festival www.visit-tavistock.co.uk
BURRATOR DISCOVERY CENTRE FAMILY ‘DROP IN’ ACTIVITY DAYS 23rd October, 10am – 3pm Join the team for a family activity day in and around the Burrator Discovery Centre. £3 per child, £2 per adult. No booking needed. FAMILY WILDLIFE WATCH 28th October & 25 November, 10.30am12.30pm. 28 October theme will be ‘Fungi’, 25 November theme will be ‘Christmas Woodland Crafts’. Take part in a range of wildlife and heritage themed activities followed by hot chocolate and biscuits. £3 per child, £2 per adult. SPOOKTACULAR EVENING AT BURRATOR 31st October, 6pm – 8.30pm Join the team for the annual ‘Spooktacular’ evening at Burrator! Traditional Halloween activities plus night walk, pumpkin carving and spooky stories. Costumes encouraged, but not compulsory. £3 per person. Need to book in advance.
Outstanding Childcare in Tavistock 15 Hours or 30 Hours FREE Childcare for eligible 2, 3 & 4 Year Olds Available Now! 54 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, PL19 8BU
01822 613416 tavistock@bambinosdaynursery.co.uk www.bambinosdaynursery.co.uk
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
Outstanding Childcare and Natural Environments Outstanding and Caring Staff for Your Child 13
LOCAL PEOPLE
Life’s jigsaw Local historian Alex Mettler, began reading old gravestones at the age of 10, sparking an interest in local history, and he is still passionate about piecing together ‘the jigsaw of people and place’. Alex admits that he had no interest in history at school whatsoever, but he was intrigued by graveyards and church memorials and, in the ensuing years began to develop a curiosity for local history. He was born in Middlesex in 1938, after his parents cancelled their return to Zurich when WW2 broke out. Educated at Harrow County Grammar School, it was here that he formed an interest in chemistry, studying to A level, along with zoology. At the age of 17, he got his first job as a laboratory assistant in the biochemistry department at the Glaxo Laboratories head office in Greenford, doing research and development on human and animal foods. He studied at night-school for seven years, obtaining a degree in chemistry and eventually becoming head of department. He moved to Tavistock in 1976, after promotion to technical
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manager with Farley’s Health Products Ltd (part of the Glaxo Group) in Plymouth, where he was in charge of research and development, and quality assurance. Six years later, he became an executive director adding responsibility for production and coordination of foods research and development for Glaxo worldwide. He left Farley’s in 1986 to become a freelance consultant, advising on infant foods development and quality systems worldwide, before retiring in 1997. He is a past Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and has also chaired a number of professional panels on infant foods and published 14 scientific papers on related subjects.
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LOCAL PEOPLE
for future generations. A major project of the trust, working in partnership with Tavistock Town Council, will be managing Tavistock Heritage Centre in Tavistock Guildhall, which is shortly to be refurbished with the help of a grant of £780,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (scheduled completion date 2021). The Guildhall complex was an early, purpose-built, magistrate’s court and police station and current plans include interactive displays about Tavistock’s development, local law and order, the town’s rich mining history and its place within the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. Over the years, Alex has given many talks on Tavistock townscape, and led guided walks around the town. He has also published four further books on aspects of Tavistock history, including Lest We Forget – The Tavistock Fallen of the Second World War (2007), about the lives of the men listed on the Tavistock war memorial; and A Devon Gem – The Bedford Hotel (2013), charting the history of the famous hostelry.
Still pursuing his love of local history, Alex was a founder member of the Tavistock Local History Society in 1984. Following a suggestion by his friend, the late Gerry Woodcock, together they hit upon the idea of researching the stories of the 119 men who died in the First World War and whose names are listed on the Tavistock war memorial. Alex says that it was challenging and, at times, deeply emotional, especially when talking to relatives of those who had died. There was much less information available on the internet then, than there is today. After four years of work, however, the result was a book, We Will Remember Them – The Men of Tavistock who died in the First World War, published in 2003. Alex is a founder member and trustee of the Tavistock Heritage Trust, a registered charity which aims to encourage everyone to explore the town’s rich history, and conserve its heritage
Alex’s passion for local history and his dedication to enable greater enjoyment of Tavistock’s heritage is plain to see, and he still spends many hours transcribing old documents and recording gravestones. In whatever spare time is left to him, he enjoys watching sport as well as doing a spot of coarse fishing and gardening. As for his next project, Alex tells me, with a twinkle in his eye, that he is in the process of writing a book on the fascinating history of the 28 pubs and two breweries which have existed in Tavistock over the years since the early 1800s. Indeed, from the age of 16, he has had a growing interest in the history and products of breweries, a process which has involved the necessary sampling of liquid refreshment in many public houses! Kaye Rogers ‘We Will Remember Them – The Men of Tavistock who died in the First World War’ is available at Book Stop and Tavistock Museum. There is a also a copy in Tavistock Library.
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LOCAL PEOPLE
The challenging road... Rupert and Annie Gude, members of Tavistock Peace Action Group, decided to create an exhibition for the centenary of WW1, resulting in ‘The Challenging Road to Peace since the First World War’. In the subsequent years, ‘The Challenging Road to Peace since the First World War’ has been exhibited several times to the public in Tavistock and at local schools, at numerous other locations in the South West and Wales, and even in London in a church in Kingston and at Merton library. As I sit with Rupert and Annie round their kitchen table, they explain that this is where many an afternoon was spent brainstorming ideas, planning the approach and discussing the material required, with the three other members of the exhibition group – Ginny Davies, Marlene Harris and Bob Hooper. Rupert was the main instigator of the venture and as he explains the different sections of the exhibition, he can’t help but string together a convincing argument from the list of historical facts at his fingertips, and it’s obvious that the project’s message is still very close to his heart.
Rupert worked as a GP at Abbey Surgery in Tavistock for 25 years, while Annie was a practice nurse, specialising in family planning for 10 years. When Rupert initially qualified in medicine, he worked in Papua New Guinea with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO); he and Annie then elected to spend time in the Solomon Islands, soon after they married. On their return to the UK in 1981, the sharp contrast of the peace of the South Pacific with what was happening in the western world shocked them. Cruise nuclear missiles were about to be sited at Greenham Common military base in Berkshire as a counter measure to the Soviet Union’s SS20s; anti-nuclear protest movements against cruise and Pershing weapons were erupting everywhere and Rupert and Annie felt moved
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THE CHALLENGING ROAD TO PEACE Tavistock Peace Action Group
to make a stand too. They joined the newly formed Tavistock Peace Action Group, which has always sought to achieve a peaceful and nuclear-free world through public meetings, street vigils, public information stalls and petitions, alongside regular discussion groups and talks at the Quaker Friends Meeting House. Over the intervening years Rupert and Annie have worked with three inspirational Tavistock peace campaigners, Ray Hainton, Norna Beadle and Gill Gorbutt, and have organised events such as the New Notions of Peace conference in 1990, enlisting the help of eminent speakers, including a Soviet embassy representative. Rupert retired in 2006, followed shortly afterwards by Annie, which opened up the possibility of returning to VSO work a couple of years later, this time in Tanzania, where HIV was becoming a huge problem; they spent 15 months there helping to improve the system to make HIV care more effective. A couple of years after their return to England, another opportunity arose through VSO in Vanuatu in the West Pacific, for a family planning/sexual health nurse. Annie was keen to take it on and Rupert went with her, soon finding a post in the hospital outpatient department.
The roles were challenging, sometimes in difficult conditions, but everyone worked together in a very multicultural community, enabling Annie and Rupert to make a difference to people’s lives. After returning to the UK in 2012, Rupert and Annie once again became stalwart members of TPAG and it was soon after this that the concept of the WW1 exhibition gradually began to gain momentum. After a lot of work, a mass of collated information was distilled into a comprehensive account, before being transformed into a meaningful and eye-catching 21-board exhibition, thanks to a grant from the Devon Quakers and the welcome input of graphic designers Steve Carrick and Alison Sherrell at Graphic
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Since the First World War
Is War a reasonable way to conduct international relations?
“Patriotism is not enough, I must have no hatred or bitterness for anyone” - Edith Cavell, Nurse, shot at dawn in Brussels,12
th October 1915. She was found guilty of treason under German military law for helping British soldiers escape to Holland.
The First World War was fought by all nations for Patriotism and National Interest. All nations felt they had God on their side.
5 million died
Allies
fighting for the Britain - 700,000 dead. France - 1,400,000 dead.
3.9 million died fighting for the Central Powers ofG ermany/Austria-Hungary/Turkey
On average 6,000 people died every day.
Half of young Frenchmen died.
A third of German youth died.
One in five of all Serbians died.
World War One was a catastrophe that should never have happened. We need to learn from the past to create a better future.
Words, as well as Tavy Prints. ‘The Challenging Road to Peace since the First World War’ aims to present WW1 from a different angle, covering the factors and events that led to the slide into war in 1914, as well as conscription, conscientious objection, those killed in the conflict and notable attempts to speak out against the war. The exhibition then looks at the war’s legacy with a timeline of the following 100 years, before considering today’s challenges to a peaceful future. The exhibition has had immense interest and attracted hundreds of comments such as, ‘profound’, ‘thought-provoking’ and ‘inspiring’, reflecting its powerful message. Rupert and Annie hope it will continue to make people reflect on two questions – what does the future hold and what can we do better? Rosemary Best For more information about TPAG visit tavypeace.org.uk – the exhibition can also be viewed online.
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CHARITY FOCUS
Battling On Multi-award-winning Battling On supports not only veterans, but also some of the West Country’s most vulnerable young people, through innovative programmes and approaches to solving complex social problems. Battling on was established in Callington in 2012 as a Community Interest Company (CIC), a social enterprise designed to benefit the community. The vision was to provide wrap-around care and support to veterans struggling with the transition into civilian life, or suffering with combatrelated mental health disorders. Leaving the highly regulated environment of the armed forces and returning to the freedom of civilian life can be a traumatic experience, for which Battling On offers vital open-door counselling services and mentoring support.
Many ex-service personnel find that their military qualifications are not recognised in the civilian world, so Battling On helps them to convert their qualifications, through tailored training programmes. They can also
obtain relevant work experience, which is gained through working on community-based projects, such as maintaining primary school wildlife areas and local conservation reserves. Support is offered to help with job searching, writing CVs,
job applications and interview preparation. A large number of Early Service Leavers have very low literacy and numeracy levels, and training is available to help them overcome these barriers to finding employment. Battling On currently employs three full-time and eight parttime local people and has over 40 volunteers. Nikki Markham is the founder and one of the directors, with a background in rural resource management and over 20 years’ experience of teaching disadvantaged young people and adults. She has written mentoring, coaching and teacher training programmes to enable veterans to work with vulnerable young people. Battling On’s flagship programme is the ‘Together We Can Succeed’ project (TWCS), which won the Soldiering On Award for Innovation in 2016. This is a joint venture between Battling On and two other hugely successful training programmes: Transferable Skills Training (TST), a training centre founded in 2004 for teaching a range of vocational skills and providing counselling to young people; and Work Skills South West (WSSW), established in 2011 to support disadvantaged young people and adults with learning disabilities and mental health disorders. Using ex-service volunteers, each of these three enterprises brings a different set of knowledge, skills and expertise to the project, and together they support disaffected young people, from some of the poorest wards within Devon and Cornwall, in re-engaging with society and training or
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CHARITY FOCUS
employment. The project has achieved great success in working with these young people and providing them with the skills to lift themselves out of poverty. They all receive individualised support, are taught general life skills and take part in various activities including animal care and gardening to promote social and personal development. To help prepare them for employment, community work experience is undertaken in places such as Morwellham Quay, Dartmoor National Park, Woodland Trust and Tamar Trails.
Based on a 124-acre working farm with extensive pastures and woodland, as well as a wide variety of rescued or re-homed animals, Battling On provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor learning, including land-based studies, conservation and animal care. There are a number
of classroom pods to accommodate small groups or one-to-one sessions; a bicycle repair workshop; woodwork and bricklaying workshops to enable the teaching of construction skills; and a turf-roofed log house for instruction in bushcraft and survival skills. They are particularly proud of their replica WWI field kitchen where the veterans teach cookery skills as well as nutrition and healthy eating. In the farmhouse itself is a well-equipped IT classroom, where computers can be used for training and job searching. In 2017, Battling On was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, as well as receiving runner-up in the Training Programme of the Year award from Cornwall College
Business: Excellence in Business Training Awards. The staff are clearly very dedicated and caring, aspiring to improve quality of life for all the participants. There is also a great sense of calm and community here and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere is promoted throughout, helping to provide a trusting, accessible comfort zone for all learners. Kaye Rogers Battling On receives funding from grants, funding for educational programmes and donations - for more information about the project or to give a donation visit www.battling-on.com
Thursday 1st November Rural Communities Remember Battling On will be holding an open day at the farm when local schools will be invited to look at the impact on our rural communities created by the loss of so many young men in WW1. Battling On has been awarded ten glass silhouettes from the Armed Forces Covenant programme -There But Not There, which will be used to depict the loss of the workers who traditionally carried out jobs on farms. There will also be a variety of activities and demonstrations, including firing up the WW1 field kitchen and preparing trench food using WWI recipes.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Asthma Dr Jo Coldron explains how to recognise and control asthma. Asthma is one of those medical topics that we all know something about. All of us would at the very least know someone with it, many of you reading this will be a member of a whole family of asthmatics. However, it’s a condition, perhaps because of its familiarity, that is historically undertreated and therefore causes far more morbidity, and claims far more lives, than it should. Asthma can present at ANY age, although it’s often thought of as developing only in childhood. If presenting in early childhood it can then sometimes disappear or regress for many years, but if diagnosed in adulthood, the condition tends to remain. Asthma typically presents with shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and a feeling of a tight chest or restriction to breathing. The symptoms of asthma are caused by inflammation in airways, which can be made worse by inhaled allergens and infections. However, the diagnosis can sometimes be challenging because there is an overlap in symptoms with other conditions such as viral induced wheeze in children, and acid reflux, bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer in older adults. The diagnosis of asthma is confirmed together by the GP and practice nurse and can include the following steps: •
History: What are the symptoms? Does anything trigger them? Is there a family history? Does the patient have eczema or hay fever?
•
Tests: A peak flow diary and spirometry are commonly used tools in general practice. Tests to rule out other things may be considered, for example a chest x-ray.
•
Trial of treatment: Sometimes a trial of inhalers can confirm the diagnosis – especially in the very young who can’t complete any of the other tests.
There’s currently no cure for asthma, but treatment can help control the symptoms so patients are able to live a normal, active life – treatment includes: •
•
Reliever inhalers: Most asthmatics will have one of these but although very important they are not the mainstay of symptom management most of time, except in the very mildest asthma. If you are using your blue inhaler more than 3 times per week on a regular basis you should be seeing the asthma nurse to discuss whether it’s possible to improve your prevention treatment.
reactivity of the lungs. They are either just a steroid medicine or a combination of a steroid and a long-lasting version of the reliever inhaler. •
Tablets: Some tablets are taken every day as a preventer. Some, such as steroids and antibiotics, tend to be used as ‘rescue medicines’ for exacerbations.
Daily symptoms of cough, shortness of breath and tiredness are impactful and we certainly want to reduce them, but the main threat of asthma is the abrupt and rapid deterioration of an asthma attack which in its worst form can be life threatening. The frequency of asthma attacks, and therefore the danger of asthma, can be reduced by having the right level of treatment prescribed and using it regularly, as well as having an asthma plan. An asthma plan helps the asthma patient identify a significant deterioration in symptoms and (most importantly) know what to do about it – whether that’s increasing inhalers, starting a ‘rescue pack’ of steroids or contacting the medical services. It’s important that if you have asthma and don’t have a personal action plan, you make an appointment with your practice asthma nurse to discuss one. If you do have one, and even if your symptoms are well controlled, you should have an annual review with the asthma nurse to discuss your symptoms, current treatment and review your plan. There is a huge amount of research in the field of asthma and you should always be up-to-date with the best treatment. More information on the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of asthma is available at www.asthma.org.uk and www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma
Dr Jo Coldron Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock
Preventer inhalers: These are used every day to decrease inflammation in the airways and reduce sensitivity and
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Overeaters Anonymous Tavistock Overeaters Anonymous (OA) aims to help people who struggle with their behaviour around food. It is not just about weight loss, weight gain or maintenance, obesity or diets; the OA programme offers physical, emotional and spiritual recovery for those who suffer from the problem of compulsive eating. This could include: obsession with body weight, size and shape; eating binges or grazing; preoccupation with diets; starving; laxative or diuretic abuse; excessive exercise; inducing vomiting after eating; use of diet pills and other medical interventions to control weight; inability to stop eating certain foods after taking the first bite and a constant preoccupation with food. Members find recovery by following a programme patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. They find that yoyo dieting is a thing of the past and no longer wish to return to eating compulsively. In OA, there are people who are morbidly obese, extremely or moderately overweight, average weight or underweight; some have maintained periodic control over their eating behaviour, while others have been totally unable to control their compulsive eating. The only requirement for membership in OA is a desire to stop eating compulsively. Kathryn, a 41-year-old mother-of-one, who lives near Tavistock shares her story: “For most of my life I have either been gaining or losing weight and have had clothes ranging from a size 10 to a size 24. At times I have been obsessed with being skinny – cutting out meals and eating as little as possible in a desperate bid to lose weight to the
point where I fainted. At other times I have been obsessed with overeating – shoving as much chocolate, cake and ice cream into my mouth as possible, to the point of feeling physically sick and then feeling ashamed and bitterly disappointed with myself. I lived my life this way from the age of 12 until my early 30s when I simply could not cope with it any longer. There were times when I would choose to spend my evenings bingeing on food rather than seeing friends. There were also times when I would leave my desk at work in order to go and buy chocolate and cakes which I would eat in the loo. I felt despairing and thought I would have to live the rest of my life in this insane, self-destructive way, until I heard a friend of a friend in Tavistock talking about how she, too, used to gain and lose weight rapidly and obsess about food. I heard the past tense ‘she used’, and wondered what this confident, healthy-looking young woman had done to change her behaviour around food. So I asked her and she told me about OA – a group of people who Contact 855978 Wishing aus very Merry had struggled with food -on binge eating,
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restricting their eating, over-exercising or purging. In the same way that Alcoholics Anonymous helps people to stop drinking alcohol, OA helps people to stop problematic behaviour around food. I started going to OA meetings eight years ago and I have learned to eat healthy, appetising meals three times a day. I don’t diet and I don’t obsess about what I’m eating. I wear the same dress size as I did eight years ago because my weight no longer goes up and down and I don’t worry about what other people think of my weight because I know I am healthy, happy and, most importantly, sane. Going to an OA meeting and admitting I had a problem with food was hard – but it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’ve never regretted it. I would urge anyone who struggles with food to come along and give it a go.” Tavistock OA meets on Mondays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Trident House, 2 advice to Taylor For Square. For more or information about make Overeaters Anonymous log onto an appointment www.oagb.org.uk or telephone 07000call 784985. “Our855978 Chiropodists and
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GARDENING
Going wild... Glowing red field poppies have been symbols of life and rebirth for thousands of years, but it is as the emblem of Remembrance Day on 11th November that we best know this flower today. Poppy seed can lie dormant in the soil for many decades, emerging in a blaze of colour on any recently-disturbed ground – roadworks, pipelines, building sites – and, tragically, after the obscene carnage of the First World War battlefields. In 1915 the sight inspired Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write his haunting poem In Flanders Fields, which inspired the long association of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance Day. Sadly this flower, so representative of the England that soldiers died to protect, has largely vanished from our fields under an onslaught of chemicals and intensive farming methods. And, as flowers like these are essential for bees, butterflies, birds and other creatures, it has led to a dramatic decline in wildlife. In addition to buying artificial poppies to support the excellent Royal
British Legion, gardeners – and indeed anyone with a patch of ground such as a school or community garden - could sow poppies and other flowers for wildlife. Poppies belong to a group of plants collectively known as ‘hardy annuals’ which are super-easy to grow, wonderful for summer colour, and often rich in nectar or pollen to support wildlife. Autumn is the ideal time to sow: seeds germinate quickly in the warm soil and grow into sturdy little plants that stand over winter to bloom early the following summer. Simply sow direct where plants are to flower, into freshly raked soil (in rows so you can tell them apart from weeds), or in modular trays to plant out in spring. Good companions for poppies are other ‘cornfield’ annuals: corncockle, cornflower and corn marigold, all lovely for a semi-wild spot, while stylish annuals for borders include white lace flower (Orlaya), Cerinthe, Calendula, poached egg flower (Limnanthes) and love-in-a-mist (Nigella).
Seasonal jobs Lawns have had a tough summer and really benefit from some TLC. Rake out dead grass using a springtine rake or a powered scarifier; oversow bare spots with lawn seed topped with lawn dressing; and feed with an autumn lawn fertilizer. Plant bulbs in borders, pots, and naturalised in grass. Prioritize alliums, narcissus and the earliest flowerers like crocus: tulips can be planted as late as November. Order bare root hedging, roses and fruit to plant in late autumn. Spread compost on vegetable beds and cover with cardboard, carpet or ground cover fabric, so they’ll be all ready for sowing next spring.
Sue’s top tips Thrifty: Look around your garden for self-sown plants that can be transplanted elsewhere or potted on. Once I’ve planted up pots with spring
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GARDENING
Sue is a garden designer, advisor and writer based on the Bere Peninsula near Tavistock. www.suefisher gardens.co.uk
bulbs, I plant the tops with transplanted annuals/biennials like forget-me-not and poached egg flower to add an extra layer of spring/early summer colour.
Green: Take cuttings of your own tender perennials (like geranium, fuchsia, osteospermum, salvia and many more) and you won’t need to go shopping for them next year. Select young, non-flowering shoots; cut just below a leaf joint; remove leaves on the bottom two thirds; dip into hormone rooting powder; then place in pots with a clear bag or propagator lid over the top. Overwinter under cover in a warm, well-lit place. Wildlife: Ponds that are becoming
overgrown with aquatic and marginal plants should be thinned now, before creatures settle down to hibernate. Use a rake (carefully, to avoid punctures) to pull out excess growth and cut back stems to just above water level. Leave waste piled by the pond’s edge for several days so creatures can make their way back to the water.
Time saving: A powered blower is a super-quick way to clear up autumn leaves by blowing into piles to gather up (and do bag or bin to turn into leafmould, it’s a fantastic soil improver). Cordless tools are light, quieter than corded or petrol models, and now cost as little as £60.
Looking good Late blooms are alive with butterflies and insects busy stocking up on food for the coming winter. As well as old favourites like Michaelmas daisies (asters, now many renamed as Symphyotrichon); Sedum spectabile and Verbena bonariensis, I grow purple-flowered Vernonia which, I was delighted to see, enticed Small Copper butterflies into my garden for the first time. Airy plumes of ornamental grasses look magnificent caught in the low autumn sunlight. While many grasses will stay looking good for months, Miscanthus sinensis varieties are super-sturdy and reliable.
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01822 610998
• Tree felling & dismantling • Crown thinning, lifting & reduction • Tree pest & disease identification • Woodland management • Hedge cutting & laying • Seasoned logs FULLY INSURED
www.countrywisetreecare.co.uk
JonLindsay@countrywisetreecare.co.uk
T: 01822 854 972 M: 07977 558 371
Area covered includes: Yelverton • Horrabridge • Tavistock • Roborough • Princetown • Gunnislake Callington • Bere peninsula • Buckland Monachorum • Lydford • Lifton • Okehampton
Design and Installation Waterfalls and Streams Planting and Stocking Water Features Renovation Leak Repair
Dartmoor Pond Services Ellis Taylor
Tel: 01822 852699 M: 07836 576722 www.dartmoorpondservices.co.uk
Tree Problems? Skilled Arborists specialising in
Dangerous Tree Removal Tree Safety & Pruning
RED SQUIRREL TREE CARE
01822 860651
redsquirreltreecare.co.uk info@redsquirreltreecare.co.uk
ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPING AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • Decking & Fencing • Dry Stone Walling • Patios & Pathways • Timber Structures • Groundworks
• Sheds • Turf Laying • House Painting • Hedge Trimming • Garden Clearance
FULLY INSURED - LOCAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE
Hartland, Milton Combe, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6HP
T: 01822 852792 M: 07765 674627 Email: bsteptoe@supanet.com
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GARDENING
Garden machinery advice for the winter Fuel - the stuff we all need - but apart from its eye-waveringly expensive cost, fuel has its perils for those of us who own lawn mowers, generators or motor boats. The problem is ethanol, which was added to replace lead in petrol, since ethanol starts to evaporate when left in your engine for a long period of time, leaving water in your carburettor. This issue is not usually encountered with normal car usage as we use them on a regular basis, and the moisture burns off. However, lawn mowers, generators and boat engines often have long periods of inactivity which means the ethanol can evaporate and cause moisture. Steve John, director at West Devon-based Abbey Garden Machinery, says: “We see a lot of these issues and as soon as a client says they’re having starting problems we suspect that there could be water in the carburettor.”
There is a solution though if you want to leave fuel in an engine which is not going to be used for a period of time. Aspen alkylate petrol was developed in Sweden in 1980 and Aspen 2 was developed later in 1988 by a fuel expert at Volvo, Roland Elmdng, who saw the potential to develop a fuel which was better for people and the environment as well as providing a better performance from engines. For further information regarding Aspen fuel and general advice about engine care you can contact Steve John at Abbey Garden Machinery on 01822 614053.
Visit our showroom to see a large range of garden machinery, tools and accessories. We have equipment to suit the hobby gardener or the professional. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are happy to discuss your requirements and offer advice. The qualified, experienced engineers in our fully equipped workshop can repair or service your existing equipment.
Book your
We stock ASPEN Fuels Better for your equipment Better for the environment Better for you!
Winter Service now!
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01822 614053 www.abbeygardensales.co.uk Union Mine Road, Pitts Cleave, Tavistock PL19 0PW 27
See how our garden glows 16 November - 5 January Thursday - Saturday until 8.30pm
Included with normal garden admission. Free for RHS members. Delicious two-course simple family suppers, pre-booking essential. For admission tickets and table reservations rhs.org.uk/rosemoor Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH Tel 01805 626810 RHS Reg Charity No. 222879 / SC038262
To find out about...
Groundworks M.T. ALLEN Site Preparation & Clearance GROUNDWORK CONTRACTORS Tarmacing & Concreting Dry Stone Walling Stables & Agricultural Buildings Equestrian Sand Schools Digger Hire with CPCS Qualified Operator Fully insured
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01822 854959 07951 020243
Workshops available
One to one’s or groups Experience playing with flowers with your friends and learning techniques you can use at home.
MDPF
Master Florist 07973 226710 01822 870888
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NATURALIST
NATURALIST
The delicious wonders of autumn One of the real pleasures of living in the temperate zone is experiencing the different seasons. Every autumn the trees and hedgerows in the Devon countryside are bursting with nuts, berries, fruits and seeds. This harvest of food, free for the taking, is all around us and several delicious foods can be made from autumnal fruits, such as blackberry and apple crumble (or pie), sloe gin, elderberry cordial (or wine), bilberry pie and crab apple jelly. Keats describes it as the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ and all this abundant food is also essential for wild creatures. Acorns are an important food source for woodpigeons and jays; in September and October jays bury large numbers of acorns in the ground as a winter ‘larder’. Sometimes gall wasps lay their eggs inside young acorns, which then turn into various galls – oak apples and knopper galls are two common types. Sweet chestnuts were introduced by the Romans, as were walnuts. Squirrels, badgers, foxes, dormice and many other small mammals are very fond of autumn fruit and nuts, as are migratory birds fattening up for the winter. Hazelnuts (also called cobnuts or filberts) are much loved by squirrels, as well as by humans! Beech nuts (also known as beech-mast) are an important winter food source for finches and great tits. In a good beech-mast year, flocks of several hundred chaffinches and bramblings, winter visitors from the continent, may be seen feeding on the nuts. In former times some woodland owners held the right of ‘pannage’ which allowed their pigs to forage in woodland for acorns and beech-mast Conkers - the huge starchy seeds of horse chestnut trees - were used in both world wars to manufacture glucose and saponin (for making soap). During World War I they were also put to a different use. When fermented by a bacterium (Clostridium acetobutylicum) the starch was converted into acetone, which was used to make explosives, including nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose. Even schoolchildren were put to work collecting conkers; in 1917, 3000 tons of conkers were collected. During World War II, with rationing at its height and fresh fruit and vegetables in short supply, the search was on to find a reliable home-grown source of vitamin C. After extensive testing, hedgerows came to the rescue in the form of rosehips, which easily outperformed blackcurrants. Rosehips have about 1,000 times more vitamin C than oranges and lemons. Kew scientists found that hips from more northern species contained more vitamin C than those from the south. The best time to collect rosehips is in August when the fruit first turns red, so children were mobilised into action. In 1943, 500 tons of rosehips were collected, enough to make 2.5 million bottles of rosehip syrup, saving the importation of 25 million oranges. Berries are everywhere: blackberries, rowan berries, haws, sloes, elderberries, As well as berries of honeysuckle, dogwood, holly, spindle (cerise-pink capsules with orange berries), cotoneaster, and guelder rose; some are poisonous, so be very careful! Bilberries, found commonly on Dartmoor, make delicious pies and are also fed on by birds. Hawthorn berries (haws) are a favourite food for ring ouzels on migration in South Devon. The abundance of wild food in autumn steadily declines throughout the winter and as a result more birds, especially finches, visit gardens in late winter and early spring when wild food has run out or is very scarce. If you plan on going out to look for fruit or nuts be really sure of your identification before eating anything. It is best to check a field guide (or ask Dr Google) and never eat anything from the wild unless you are absolutely sure you have identified it correctly. Anthony John
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FARMING DIARY
Autumn sets in As the evenings role in it is all too apparent that winter will soon be here. Autumn is usually a time for celebration on the farm, with the harvest gathered in and a bit of respite before winter really arrives and the monotonous daily feeding starts. We sell the majority of our lambs during the autumn and winter, so cash flow improves which helps. It is also during September/October that you sort out the breeding ewes and have a good count-up of the flocks and assess which ewes will breed again, which will be sold, as well as a general tally-up of how successful the last year has been. As I have said in previous articles the spring was as bad as we can ever remember, with the wet winter and the ‘beasts from the east’ hitting us in March just as our ewes were about to give birth. Now we are selling lambs, it is becoming apparent how significant that bad weather was with our numbers well short of normal expectations. The bad weather hit everyone and sheep farmers all over the UK had it tough, and that is now showing in the markets. Breeding ewes and young females are well down in value, suggesting that most sheep farmers are either keeping fewer sheep or giving up sheep altogether! Fortunately, the price for prime lambs has been good which should help balance things - but as breeders who sell females it isn’t helping. In 2007, supported by HRH The Prince of Wales, the Dartmoor Farmers Association was formed and I have been involved as a director ever since. Since then, we have been supplying beef and lamb to local pubs, hotels and butchers on a fairly small scale, but we will now be breaking new ground in partnership
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
with Morrisons who will be stocking Dartmoor farmers’ lambs from the start of October! Dartmoor farmers have a unique product and our flocks and herds of hardy native-breed sheep and cattle have been selected and bred to thrive amongst the tors of Dartmoor. They graze and maintain the diverse and wild landscape, enjoying the benefits of living free-range for most of the year. The superior texture and flavour of the meat is a result of the grass-fed, wide-ranging farming process on the moor. Farmers and their grazing livestock have been custodians of this unique and beautiful place for generations, helping to secure their own future and the future of the national park! On a lighter note, it seems like a long time ago that Gemma, the boys and I were driving through France on our summer holiday, where we had a lovely time with plenty of wine and cheese. Obviously I got pretty bored with the toll motorways so took every opportunity to drive the back roads which wound through lovely French scenery - a few wheat fields, sunflowers, numerous grape vines and some lovely looking Limousin and Blonde D’Aquitaine cattle! The downside of course was that a 5-hour journey took 9 hours and Daddy was not that popular with either the boys or Gemma! Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm
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FEATURE
Photo by Tommy Hatwell: Tavistock Royal British Legion
‘We’re here because we’re here’
The centenary of the end of World War One Nationally and locally, communities, organisations and individuals have been finding numerous ways to commemorate the end of World War One in 2018. 14-18 NOW’s national five-year programme of extraordinary arts experiences started raising awareness about the centenary of WW1 in 2014 and since then it has commissioned over 140 new artworks from leading contemporary artists, musicians, designers and performers, inspired by the period 1914-18, which have been seen by more than 30 million people. You may remember, ‘We’re here because we’re here’, which took place on 1 July 2016 with more than 1400 voluntary participants appearing unexpectedly in First World War uniform, in locations across the UK. The event was commissioned by 14-18 NOW, but conceived and created by Turner prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller in
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collaboration with Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre. I was driving into Plymouth that day and came across a line of what appeared to be WW1 soldiers standing stock-still on the footbridge above Outland Road. I only saw them fleetingly before the car passed underneath but it was an extremely poignant moment and the powerful image has remained with me ever since. 19,240 men were killed on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, and each participant in ‘We’re here because we’re here’ represented an individual soldier who was killed on that day. A decade after the end of WW1, the British Legion organised a ‘pilgrimage’ for 11,000 veterans and war widows to spend three days visiting the cemeteries and battlefields
Until Sunday 25 November
Friday 9th, Saturday 10th November
Dartmoor Life at the end of WW1
Milton Abbot Flower Festival
To coincide with the centenary of the end of WW1, the Dartmoor Trust has delivered an updated version of its award-winning 2015 exhibition, depicting stories and information about how Dartmoor and its people were affected by the First World War. Come and discover what life was really like at the end of the war for a wide range of communities on Dartmoor. The exhibition is widened even further with contributions from local history groups. Entry to exhibition free at Dartmoor Visitor Centre, Tavistock Road, Princetown, PL20 6QF. www.dartmoortrust.org
The church will be decorated throughout with flowers and foliage as well as individual displays by various floral enthusiasts and local children – a sight to lift any soul on a cold November day. The two-day flower festival followed by a Remembrance service on Sunday 11th November has been organised in commemoration of the centenary of the end of WW1 in memory of all who have died in wars. It has been made possible by a group of ladies who are not trained florists but self-taught enthusiasts. Angie Rodwell said: “It is very much a team effort supported by Rev Andy Atkins and
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FEATURE
11 November
Tavistock Remembrance Sunday of the Somme, before assembling in Ypres for a service of commemoration and marching to the Menin Gate to lay wreaths on 8 August 1928. Ever since 1928 the Last Post Association has been carrying out the daily Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres to honour the memory of the soldiers of Great Britain and its Empire who died during WW1. HRH King Albert II of Belgium is the association’s royal patron and all its members are volunteers. Traditionally the buglers are members of the Ypres Voluntary Fire Brigade and they wear the brigade uniform when performing the ceremony which takes place at 20:00 hours every evening. Exactly 90 years after the first pilgrimage, over two thousand Royal British Legion members took part in Great Pilgrimage 90 this summer, retracing the footsteps of the 1928 pilgrimage. Malcolm Christie and Royston Hackney were honoured to attend the event as representatives from Tavistock RBL. Their extremely intensive itinerary included visits to the same battlefields visited during the 1928 pilgrimage; Malcom and Royston found the whole experience extremely moving, in particular visiting the graves of over 160 members of the Devonshire Regiment, who were buried in the trench where they were killed on 1 July 1916, as well as Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the world where 11,900 servicemen from WW1 are buried on the site of the Battle of Passchendaele. Then on 8 August, they joined 1200 standard bearers and 1200 wreath carriers to parade along the same route to the Menin Gate in remembrance of all who served in the war, and for the One Hundred Days ceremony to commemorate the launch of the 100 days offensive which brought about the end of WW1. Malcolm said he would never forget the pilgrimage and that, ‘everyone should go to the Menin Gate in their lifetime’. Rosemary Best
involving the local primary school children who have their own exhibit. We are very proud that this event will be sponsored by Hotel Endsleigh and much of the foliage will come from its amazing garden.” Milton Abbot Church, 10.30am – 5pm, entry £2 including refreshments. Proceeds will be divided between the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and the Milton Abbot Church Bell Fund. For more information contact Angie Rodwell at matreasurer@southtamar.church
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The event will start at 9:30am with a service at St Eustachius’ Church, followed by the parade accompanied by Stannary Brass Band. At Bedford Square a service of remembrance attended by local organisations and dignitaries will commence at 10:50am (everyone is invited to attend). After the service a buffet reception will be open to all in Tavistock Town Hall, and this will be followed at 12:30 by a talk from Alex Mettler about the men of Tavistock who died in the First World War, whose names are inscribed on the Tavistock war memorial. The talk is sponsored by the Tavistock Branch of the British Legion, Tavistock Town Council and the Tavistock Heritage Trust (reception and talk will be free). Tavistock RBL remains open, although Legion House is shut. If you would like to contact the branch regarding Poppy Week, wreaths or anything else relating to the RBL, please write to Legion House, 2 King Street, Tavistock, PL19 0DS or email tavistock. memsecretary@rbl.community.
Until Sunday 11th November
WW1 centenary display at RHS Rosemoor The RHS has a long-standing connection with the armed forces, having lost many staff in the First and Second World Wars. RHS Rosemoor is commemorating the centenary with a display of one hundred red ceramic poppies, beautifully interpreted and designed by popular South West-based artist Renée Kilburn. Standing tall amongst the poppies is a magnificent sculpture of an ‘Unknown Soldier’ affectionately known as George N. The life-size WWI infantryman is crafted by another local Rosemoor sculptor, George Hider. Finally, a permanent new addition to the Rose Gardens, is Rosa Pax – the ‘Peace Rose’, a hybrid musk rose developed by the rose breeder Joseph Pemberton and launched in 1918 to commemorate the end of WW1. Armed forces personnel (serving and retired) together with a family guest have free admission to Rosemoor on 11 November (simply bring ID or proof of status). The ceramic poppies are available to purchase for £28 - a £3.50 donation for every poppy sold goes to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
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WHAT’S ON
REGULARS UNTIL 28 OCTOBER THE WORLD ENCOMPASSED EXHIBITION An exhibition in partnership with Devon Art Pop who will interpret the story of Drake’s voyage through a variety of artistic pieces, Buckland Abbey 11:00am - 5:00pm.
What’s On
Christmas Parties 3 Course Festive Dinner, casino and disco £34 Sat 8th December Fri 14th December Sat 15th December SOLD OUT Fri 21st December Sat 22nd December Festive Lunches Throughout December £22 Festive Dinners Throughout December £29.95
01822-613221 bedford-hotel.co.uk
Collect your passport from Visitor Welcome. COTEHELE’S GARLAND IN THE GREAT HALL Constructing the garland: 29 Oct – 9 Nov, 10.30am-4pm Commemoration Garland: 10 Nov – 6 Jan, 10.30am-4pm We’re commemorating the centenary of the end of WW1 with an artwork by Dominique Coiffait to complement the 60ft cut flower garland. Normal admission charges apply. 16 NOV - 5 JAN MAGICAL GARDEN ILLUMINATIONS ‘GLOW’ Follow the festive illuminations along a new route, extended to the lake, around RHS Rosemoor’s Foliage Garden and Stream Field. Last entry to the garden, gift shop, last food service all at 7.30pm. Normal garden admission includes entry to ‘Glow’. 1ST SATURDAY OF MONTH TAVI ARTS MARKET High quality, handmade wares from local artists - unique products not found on the high street and a chance to meet the artists and makers themselves. 9.00am to 4.00pm in Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock 9 NOV - 24 DEC WILDWOOD ARTS WINTER EXHIBITION The exhibition features a range of new and exciting art work in a variety of mediums, plus ceramics, jewellery and felting by
some of the region’s finest professional artisans. Preview evening 9 Nov 6.30pm 8.30 pm, Wildwood Arts, Horrrabridge. WEDNESDAYS 17 OCT - 12 DEC ALPHA Redeemer Church is running ‘Alpha’, a very successful event run across the globe, giving people the opportunity to explore the ‘big questions’ surrounding faith and spirituality in an informal and relaxed setting. The evenings include a meal, a short talk and discussion. Free of charge, 7pm at Drake’s Café, Grenofen. For more info or to book a place, visit alpha. redeemertavistock.uk or call 01752 568400. LAST TUESDAY IN MONTH 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 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. EVERY WEDNESDAY THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH CREDIT UNION OFFICE
ANTIQUES VALUATION DAY TAVISTOCK
Thursday 8th November
The Bedford Hotel In the heart of Tavistock
1 Plymouth Road | Tavistock PL19 8BB
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The Bedford Hotel Plymouth Road 10.00am - 1.00pm
Sold for £23,000
St. Edmund’s Court, Okehampton Street, Exeter EX4 1DU T: 01392 413100 W: www.bhandl.co.uk E: enquiries@bhandl.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON 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
OCTOBER 7-14 OCTOBER HOTEL CHOCOLATE Hotel Endsleigh will be celebrating all things chocolate, with chocolate afternoon tea, and a special chocolate workshop. Our in-house chocolatier supremo, Alan Holloway will oversee the chocolatey proceedings. 10 OCTOBER
13 OCTOBER PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS Photography masterclass with Philip Smith, a professional garden and plant photographer with twenty years’ experience. 10-3pm at The Garden House. £75, booking essential. 13 OCTOBER HERITAGE WALK A scenic walk along the Tavistock Canal, the artery which connected 19th century Tavistock to the world - over five miles long and covers rough ground. £5 per person (accompanied under-16s free) Meet at 2pm outside Tavistock Visitor Information Centre 13 OCTOBER STANNARY BRASS BAND PROMS CONCERT
The annual Goose Fair with market stalls & entertainment in the town, and poultry auctions at Tavistock Livestock Centre. Butchers’ Hall will hold an artisan market showcasing the talents of local craftspeople.
Taking music to our villages! - proms concert at Mary Tavy Coronation Hall at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £5 and will be available from Stags Estate Agents in Tavistock, Mary Tavy Post Office or on the door. Refreshments available. Phone 01822 854888 for more details.
12 - 14 OCTOBER
19 OCTOBER
TAVISTOCK GOOSE FAIR
WOODFEST - A FESTIVAL OF TREES AND WOOD Follow a new woodland and champion tree trail and see artisans at work on traditional crafts, including wood turning, carving and whittling, basket weaving and spinning, as well as chainsaw carving. 10am - 3pm at RHS Rosemoor, normal garden admission applies.
available at Book Stop. If you have a gift, a talent or professional service you would like to auction, please contact 01822 610262 or info@patwarne.com 20 OCTOBER DARTMOOR SOCIETY DEBATE 2018 Are we using Dartmoor’s stone resources wisely? Chairman: Dr Tom Greeves, 10:00am to 5:00pm at Meldon Village
What’s On
Festive Feasting Perfect for your office party, or a pre-Christmas get-together with friends or family. Festive Lunches for groups of 4 or more, and Festive Dinners for groups of 10 or more.
1st to 22nd December
AUCTION OF GIFTS AND TALENTS Help raise funds for St Eustachius’ Parish Church at this exciting auction led by Drake’s auctioneer, Pete Williams at 7pm at Tavistock Town Hall. Pledges include a weekend for two in a holiday cottage, wines, Victorian collectable jugs, dinner for two, a hamper & foot therapy. Tickets are £4, including a drink and catalogue,
(except Sunday lunchtimes) 3 Courses Lunch £24 Dinner £26
01822-892300 twobridges.co.uk
High Quality Watch Repairs - Watch batteries, straps and simple watch repairs. - High quality watch servicing and repairs. - Omega certified on-site watch workshop. - We can repair and service a range of watch brands
SERVICE CENTRE
We have a selection of luxury pre-owned watches including Omega and Tag Heuer Open Tuesday - Saturday 9.30am - 5pm | Outside these hours by appointment
1 The Old Dairy, Paddons Row, Tavistock PL19 0HF | 01822 614153 info@barrettsoftavistock.co.uk | www.barrettsoftavistock.co.uk
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In the heart of Dartmoor
Two Bridges | Dartmoor PL20 6SW
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WHAT’S ON Hall, EX20 4LU. Prior booking essential. Members £17; non-members £20 (to include coffee, buffet lunch and tea). Visit www.dartmoorsociety.com to book online and for more details. 19 OCTOBER DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION ‘Life between the tides’, an illustrated talk by Dave Herdson 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
20 OCTOBER
20 OCTOBER
27 OCTOBER
FRIENDS OF ST EUSTACHIUS’ WINE TASTING
HERITAGE WALK
Join the Friends of St Eustachius’ at the Bedford Hotel for an informal and lighthearted tutored wine-tasting evening in association with Charles Steevenson. Buffet supper included.
27 OCTOBER, 21 OCTOBER
IN THE STARRY SKY
TAMAR RIVER WALK
Jo Richardson joins us to host a fascinating evening of star-talk and stargazing, followed by supper. 6 -10pm, The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum - Adults £18, children £10 (price includes supper), booking essential.
The walk starts at Beera Farm OS GR 400760 (car park) and is approx. 7½ miles/12 kms, finishing at Greystone Bridge OS GR 369804. Shuttle available (£2) to return to car park. Donations in aid of Dunterton Church would be appreciated at the end. 23-27 OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
THE KING AND I
2 NOVEMBER
THE TEENAGE MARKET The Teenage Market is free to take part in and is open to all young people aged 13-25, to showcase their talents. Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock 10.00am to 4.00pm. Visit theteenagemarket.co.uk for details. 20 OCTOBER SISTERS HAIR AND BEAUTY 10TH BIRTHDAY CHARITY BASH! Raising money for Devon Air Ambulance Trust and The Oncology Department at Derriford Hospital, the evening will include a drink on arrival, light bites by Oaktree Occasions, birthday cake, music by Jessica and the Rabbits, a disco and a ‘Golden Raffle!’. Tavistock Town Hall 7:30pm until midnight - dress as smart as you like, but no jeans. For tickets contact admin@ sistershairandbeauty.co.uk 20 OCTOBER TAMAR VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR Autumn Concert supporting Children’s Hospice South West, with special guests, the Mevagissey Male Choir. Tickets: adults £10, children (under 14years) £5, available from Bookstop, Market Street, Tavistock or Mary Tavy PO/Stores (01822 810422) or Ray Hinton (07817521185). 7.30pm at St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock.
Tavistock’s Burial Grounds - a Halloweenthemed walk - covers some rough ground. £5 per person (accompanied under-16s free) Meet at 2pm outside Tavistock Visitor Information Centre
Tavistock Musical Theatre Company presents the tale of, Anna, who travels to Siam to work as governess to the King of Siam’s wives and children. 7.00pm Monday to Friday, 1:30pm matinee on Saturday at Tavistock Town Hall - book online at tavimtc.co.uk or telephone 01752 795461. 26 OCTOBER
LAMERTON FIREWORKS DISPLAY This will be held at Lamerton village hall and playing field and the gates will open at 6pm. There will be a BBQ and licensed bar, tented cover for spectators will also be provided. Entry costs £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for children under 12. 03 NOVEMBER
TORCHLIT WALK Light your way to Whitelady Waterfall with a flaming torch, enjoy enchanting music then hot chocolate and marshmallows. £10 (£8 for members) per torch, £2 for accompanying adults and children over 5, booking essential - normal admission applies. Lydford Gorge 5.306.30pm.
FIREWORK ARTWORK Join the Scrap Store on Bedford Square for an exciting day of firework artwork. Come and make sparklers and fireworks from 11-2 PM. The event is free of charge as part of Tavistock BID’s winter festival. www.visit-tavistock.co.uk
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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
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WHAT’S ON 3 NOVEMBER
4 NOVEMBER
TAVISTOCK FIREWORKS DISPLAY
JAZZ SUNDAY LUNCH
The Lions Club of Tavistock annual firework display in Tavistock Meadows is staged by the local award-winning company, Two Tigers. which has provided some of the best displays ever seen in Tavistock. Gates to the Meadows (college end) will open at 6.15pm with the display starting at 7pm prompt. Entrance for adults: £5 and under 16s: £1. The Lions will have their BBQ on site so spectators are asked to come early to enjoy burgers and hot dogs washed down with a nice hot chocolate, tea or coffee. For further details, visit www. tavistocklions.org.uk or the Facebook page or call 0845 8334807. 3 & 4 NOVEMBER WINTER CRAFT FAIR AT COTEHELE Get ahead of the game this year with some early Christmas shopping at our annual craft fair, featuring a range of local art and craft markers. Free entry 11am-4pm 4 NOVEMBER PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Nigel Price Organ Trio plus Vasilis Xenopoulos - the nationally acclaimed guitarist leads a top-line group of jazz musicians playing mainstream/modern jazz, plus the University of Plymouth Big Band. 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Plymouth PL6 5DH. Tickets on the door £9 (members £7, full-time students £5) information 01752 721179, plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk
Enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch at The Bedford Hotel, served with a generous helping of live jazz from our house jazz band, Desperate Measures. Three courses £25 (children £18), two courses £20 (children £13). 4 NOVEMBER A FESTIVE DOGGY MARKET We return to Tavistock Pannier Market for our 3rd year, with our festive shopping event. Gables Farm Cats and Dogs Home will be running a fun dog show and we’ll host the festive themed Paws Got Talent contest. Refreshments available. Entry £2.00 under 16s free 6 & 7 NOVEMBER MRS MURRAY’S FAIR In aid of Devon Air Ambulance, the fair returns to Lewtrenchard Manor. Preview evening on Tuesday, 7pm until - £9.50 per person entry includes a glass of wine and canapés – please book in advance. Wednesday, 10.30am until 3.30pm, £5 per person or £11 to include lunch. Booking for lunch is essential
No appointment necessary – for further information call 01392 413100. The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock 10:00am-1:00pm 8 NOVEMBER CONSTANT AS THE WORLD Singer, pianist and composer Helen Porter, presents her own songs and piano solos, interspersed with timeless classics by Cole Porter, Kurt Will and Stephen Sondheim at Two Bridges Hotel. Concert at 7:30pm,
AMBER & MALLOW
Lifestyle
8 NOVEMBER BEARNES HAMPTON & LITTLEWOOD VALUATION MORNING Free valuations for antiques, jewellery and ceramics with Lucy Marles (jewellery specialist) and Nic Saintey (ceramics & general valuer) - advice about items you may be thinking of selling at auction.
An inspirational new lifestyle store in the heart of Tavistock • Well Considered Gifts • Interior Accessories • Interior Styling & Design • Extensive Fabric Library
The Barn, 5 Market Rd Tavistock 01822 617853 Open 10.00 to 17.00 Tuesday to Saturday See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
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OPEN
Tavistock
TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9AM - 4.30PM
Pannier Market
Christmas
‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock’
Markets
What’s On October 10th
Goose Fair Open 9am - 6pm
December 7th Dickensian Evening Open 9am - 9pm
Traders in Victorian costume
Join us this year as we celebrate the magic of Christmas with our festive Markets in Butchers’ Hall
BEAUTIFUL CRAFTED GIFT IDEAS FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK AND FUN FOR EVERYONE ! Launching on Dickensian Evening Friday 7th December 9.30am - 9pm Saturday 8th December 9.30am - 4pm Monday 17th - Saturday 22nd December 9.30am - 4pm
New to Tavistock
BUTCHERS’ HALL
For more details visit our website
FIND US: 32 Market Road Tavistock, PL19 0AL CONTACT US: 01822 616134 www.tavistock.gov.uk
www.tavistock.gov.uk 01822 611003 Follow us on social media:
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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 Ross and his team to discuss your needs and reserve your time and date 01822 townhall@tavistock.gov.uk 38
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Tavistock Town Hall Bedford Square Tavistock PL19 0AE
WHAT’S ON £12. Two-course pre-concert supper served at 6:15pm, £20. Call 01822 892300 to book.
at 7.45pm. For box office contact 01822 870116 or email romillycousins@gmail.com 15 NOVEMBER
9 & 10 NOVEMBER MILTON ABBOT CHURCH FLOWER FESTIVAL The church will be decorated with flowers and foliage on a WW1 theme. 10.30am – 5pm, entry £2 including refreshments. Proceeds will be divided between the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and the Milton Abbot Church Bell Fund. Contact Angie Rodwell at matreasurer@ southtamar.church for info. 9 & 11 NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS FOOD AND CRAFT FAIR Buckland Abbey Christmas craft and food fair returns with over 40 stalls of the finest local produce - the ideal place to pick up a gift or a special treat for yourself. Entry £3, members and under 5s free. 10am-4pm. 10 NOVEMBER HERITAGE WALK An introduction to 1000 years of Tavistock’s history, from its Saxon origins to the nineteenth-century mining boom and urban renaissance. £5 per person (accompanied under-16s free) Meet at 2pm outside Tavistock Visitor Information Centre 11 NOVEMBER TAVISTOCK REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY There will be a service at St Eustachius’ Church at 9:30am, followed by a service of remembrance at Bedford Square at 10:50am and then a buffet reception open to all in Tavistock Town Hall. At 12:30 there will be a talk by Alex Mettler about the men of Tavistock who died in the First World War. 14- 17 NOVEMBER SLEIGHED TO DEATH Milton Abbot Players stage another episode from the illustrious career of Inspector Pratt. Milton Abbot Village Hall - Doors open at 7.15pm, curtain up
KIT HOLMES WITH ALLAN GREENWOOD Kit’s sultry vocals and virtuoso guitar in concert with guitar hero, John Etheridge. 7:30pm at Mary Tavy Coronation Hall; tickets: £8 adults, £4 children - available on 01822 810408, Mary Tavy Post Office or on the door. 16 NOVEMBER RNLI TAVISTOCK COFFEE MORNING Our annual coffee morning in aid of the lifeboats at the Parish Rooms, Plymouth Road, Tavistock. Entry £1.50, covers tea/ coffee & biscuits. Raffle & stalls including cakes & Christmas cards. 10:00 am – 12:30pm 16 NOVEMBER
Tavonians Theatre Company is taking Talking Heads, Alan Bennett’s much-loved dramatic monologues, on tour starting on 16 Nov in Meavy Parish Hall. Full details of dates and venues can be found at tavonians.org.uk or phone 08455 196592. 16 NOVEMBER DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION An Overview of Dartmoor’s Archaeology, an illustrated talk by Dr Lee Bray DNP 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 17 NOVEMBER ST EUSTACHIUS’ CHURCH BAZAAR Come and join us in Tavistock Town Hall at 10:30am and snap up some bargains! All proceeds go towards the maintenance and upkeep of our beautiful church.
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WHAT’S ON 17 NOVEMBER PUDSEY DAY OF MORRIS Dartmoor Border Morris has invited 20 different Morris sides to perform in Tavistock`s Bedford Square to collect money for the BBC Children in Need charity. 10:00am-4:00pm 17 NOVEMBER HALDON QUARTET Four leading professional string players
from the West Country play the classics of the string quartet repertoire. 7:30pm at Peter Tavy Village Hall, tickets available on 01822 810552 17-25 NOVEMBER TAMAR VALLEY WINTER EXHIBITION
24 NOVEMBER
Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, Near Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9FE
One Thousand Years of Tavistock Markets - a guided walk around the various sites which have served as marketplaces in Tavistock through the centuries. £5 per person (accompanied under-16s free) Meet at 2pm outside Tavistock Visitor Information Centre
Open theme exhibition encouraging smaller works 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (10.00 am to 2.00 pm Sunday) 18 NOVEMBER THE SUSSEX JAZZ KINGS Dave Stradwick leads a group of the best musicians playing in the traditional ‘New
Charles & Ray Eames chair and stool
SALE OF ANTIQUES & ART WINES & SPIRITS and 20TH CENTURY DESIGN
Orleans’ style. 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Plymouth PL6 5DH. Tickets on the door £9 (members £7, full-time students £5) information 01752 721179, plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk
HERITAGE WALK
24 NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Come and do some Christmas shopping
FRIENDS OF WHARF LUNCHTIME LECTURES ORGANISED BY DR ANN PULSFORD, 2PM TAVISTOCK WHARF
On Tuesday 20th November
1920 Bordeaux
Whitefriars ‘Bricklayer’ vase
SALE OF SILVER, GOLD, WATCHES & JEWELLERY On Tuesday 4th December
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
8 October, David Lemon African cats
5 November, Joseph Toland Future energy from the Walkham Valley
15 October, Andrew Thompson From druids to drones - a history of Dartmoor archaeology
12 November, Sue Andrew Goldsmith’s Cross: A Dartmoor story of love and loss
22 October, Brian Freeland A trip down the River Charente
19 November, Sue Minter The Apothecaries’ Garden - a history of the Chelsea Physic Garden
29 October, Kevin Dickens ‘Miasma! Scourge and pestilence in Tavistock and the South West in recent times
26 November, Geri Parlby Snakes, saints & pawnbrokers
KITCHEN REPLACEMENT DOORS Art Deco sapphire & diamond brooch
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WHAT’S ON at this popular annual event with a fine selection of crafts and products at Milton Abbot Church from 11am to 3.30pm. Grand draw with exclusive prizes and refreshments available. For information & table enquiries contact Sandra Dunbar matreasurer@southtamar.church 24 NOVEMBER MOUNT KELLY CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT Including Vivaldi’s Magnificat and Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols, conducted by Julian Jensen, with guest soloists. 7.30pm, St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock. Tickets available at Mount Kelly College reception, Book Stop in Tavistock and on the door. www.kellychoralsociety. com 24 NOVEMBER ACOUSTIC CAFÉ Acoustic Café is back – with music, food and fun! 7.30pm in The Studio at Kingdon House – £5, plus reasonably priced food.
25 NOVEMBER FESTIVE FAIR A chance to pick up unique Christmas gifts from local artisan businesses. Live music and lunches served. Free entry. Two Bridges Hotel 10:30am – 3:30pm 30 NOVEMBER TREES OF LIGHT Lions Club president Jan Meakin, will turn on this year’s Trees of Light on the front of Tavistock Town Hall at 7pm. For details visit tavistocklions.org.uk, visit the Facebook page or call 0845 8334807.
We have included as many events as possible here in the magazine but for a full and comprehensive list please see our new community website: .dartmoorlinks.co.uk All event listings are FREE. Send details to editorial@tavylinks. co.uk or upload directly to our website by pressing the SUBMIT button
30 NOVEMBER - 9 DECEMBER ST EUSTACHIUS’ CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Come and view some sixty trees beautifully decorated by local groups and organisations. Join us for a number of events during the festival, including our Advent Carol Service on Sunday 2nd December at 6pm.
Th 2n f t us o pl
AT E k et M oc rk s, s D t a y ay N is M ida rd FI Tav ier , Fr Satu th ys nn sda 4th on Pa ur d & he m
Lots of new gift ideas - introducing the latest range of traditional cold-pressed soaps, pamper hampers and limited editions. Corporate gifts also available.
20 Market Street Tavistock PL19 0DE 01822 612129
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Established in 1997 • Purely handmade in Devon by Jackie Kenderdine Vegan friendly • Not tested on animals • www.kenderdine.co.uk asion Hats Wedding/Occ ire or to Buy Available to H Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am til 4.30pm Saturday 10am til 4pm Sunday Closed whisperstavistock@gmail.com f Like us on Facebook www.whisperstavistock.co.uk
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Tavistock’s main venue for Films, Theatre, Live Music and Live Broadcasts
Welcome to...
live broadcasts................. Tuesday 9th October
Sunday 14th November
Monday 15th October
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EEANEST
CLIFF RICHARD LIVE 60TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE
A new production of one of the funniest plays in English, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, will be broadcast live to cinemas from the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End
Featuring a selection of his greatest hits across six decades, this will be Cliff Richard’s most exciting tour yet.
FILMS.............
MAYERLING
Sunday 4th November
DIE WALKÜRE
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE ENCORE
Dangerous desires, family secrets and political intrigues twist through every moment of daring choreography in Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet inspired by true events.
Wotan craves the ring, but, bound by his own laws, he can’t retrieve it himself...
Wednesday 14th November
Tuesday 20th November
RSC LIVE: TROILUS AND CRESSIDA
NT LIVE: THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III
THE LITTLE STRANGER
After a doctor is called to visit a crumbling manor, strange things begin to occur.
10th - 11th October THE WIFE
A wife questions her life choices as she travels to Stockholm with her husband, where he is slated to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature
12th – 18th October JOHN ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN
After a cyber-attack reveals the identity of all of the active undercover agents in Britain, Johnny English is forced to come out of retirement to find the mastermind hacker.
9th – 25th October
Lechery, lechery, still wars and lechery: nothing else holds fashion
Written by one of Britain’s bestloved playwrights Alan Bennett, this epic play was also adapted into a BAFTA Award-winning film following its premiere on stage in 1991.
For full details and how to book events visit our website: www.tavistockwharf.com
Tavistock Wharf Box Office 01822 611166 FACEBOOK.COM/TAVISTOCKWHARF
Online booking available for all music events at... www.wegottickets.com
MUSIC..................................... THE FLOYD EFFECT Saturday 13th October
KAST OFF KINKS Friday 19th October
G2 GENESIS Saturday 20th October
BASKERY Friday 26th October
Let The Floyd Effect take you on a musical journey from the Dark Side Of The Moon, through Wish You Were Here and Animals, to The Wall, and all the way to the Division Bell
This is not just a tribute to the legendary band, but features three former members of The Kinks reliving the good times and keeping the songs alive that made
Having been performing classic Genesis for well over a decade, G2 are making their annual return to The Wharf.
Baskery is a band built on what three people can do together and it’s all about turning the music on its head, blending the straightforwardness of punk with the subtlety of singer/ songwriting.
THE SIMMERTONES Saturday 27th October
SAXON Friday 2nd November
METALLICA RELOADED Saturday 3rd November
THE ESKIES Friday 9th November
A seasoned nine-piece ska and reggae band who regularly get audiences dancing with their infectious live sound.
Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson – both founder members of the legendary British Heavy Metal – Oliver/Dawson Saxon continue to rock audiences around the world
Playing songs from the first album to the latest, the breadth of Metallica’s career is covered with reverence and aggression!”
Purveyors of music that meanders from sea soaked waltz to Italian tarantella, from Brassy funeral march-esque lament to weep along Klezmar knees up, from chain gang holler to rag time finger snap
ELECTRONIX Saturday 10th November
THE BEST OF KEITH JAMES Sunday 11th November
BUDDY HOLLY AND THE CRICKETERS Thursday 15th November
SLADE UK Friday 16th November
80s Synth Pop Covers Band specialise in all the 80s Synth Pop classics
Songs by Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, John Martyn and Cat Stevens together with Keith’s own dramatic and absorbing songs.
The most compelling concert of its kind. The hits just keep on coming - That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Raining In My Heart, Oh Boy! – and much, much more.
Once thought impossible, Slade UK recreate the experience of a real Slade show with all the power of the original band.
ALL THE BEST FREAKS – TRIBUTE TO MARILLION Saturday 17th November
LIVEWIRE AC/DC TRIBUTE Saturday 24th November
DAVEY DODDS Sunday 25th November
LIFESIGNS Saturday 29th November
Based in and around Bristol, it is the band’s mission to bring the absolute best of Fish era Marillion to the South West and beyond.
The unique six man tribute to rock’s greatest band AC/DC, complete with trademark cannons, a wall of Marshalls and two hours of High Voltage Rock and Roll
Davey (vocals, mandolin and tin whistle) has teamed up with the virtuoso musician Martin Solomon (fiddle and Celtic Harp).
Lifesigns is a British progressive rock band conceived in 2008 by John Young
Dateswebsite and times shown may vary, so please check our website for all up to date information: www.tavistockwharf.com See our community www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
43
W hat’s O n Tickets: £6 (children) to £11 on 01752 291309 or tamaritans. boxoffice@gmail.com
Until 21 October The Atlantic Project: After the Future This pilot for a new biennial festival of contemporary art in Plymouth features artists from 12 different countries, who will present new site-specific commissions in unconventional contexts and outdoor sites which have been inaccessible for many years, including the empty Civic Centre and Drake’s Island.
15 November Plymouth Christmas lights! 3 November The Great War Symphony South West Philharmonia & Chorus presents the new choral symphony written by Patrick Hawes for the centenary commemorations marking the end of the First World War, compèred by BBC’s David Fitzgerald. 7:00-9:30pm at The Minster Church of St. Andrew, Plymouth.
22-25 November Illuminate
24 - 27 October The Hound of The Baskervilles Tamaritans Theatre Company performs Conan Doyle’s classic tale (adapted by Tim Kelly) of Sherlock Holmes’s investigation into a fabled beast on Dartmoor. The local setting is doubly apt as Conan Doyle once lived and worked within a mile of the Red House Theatre. 7.30pm (2.30pm Sat matinee) at Red House Theatre, School of Creative Arts, Millbay Road.
The switch-on of the lights launches the Christmas countdown and marks the start of Thursday late night shopping if you’re hunting for the perfect gift.
5 November Bonfire & Fireworks Night Plymouth will be hosting a bonfire and fireworks display on The Hoe with fun for all the family - fairground rides from 4pm as well as catering stands and entertainment starting around 6.30pm. The bonfire will be lit at 7.30pm and the fireworks display begins at 8pm.
www.visitplymouth.co.uk D@visitplymouth E@visitplym
Illuminate is a spectacular light-based festival that connects all the Mayflower 400 destinations across the UK and internationally, commemorating the anniversary of the Mayflower sailing to America in 1620. In 2018 Illuminate will be even bigger, showcasing projections and light art installations from local, national and international artists. Entry free, Royal William Yard, 5:30 – 10:00pm (check the website for time updates).
WHAT’S ON EXTRA
Saturday 20 October
Dartmoor Society Debate Are we using Dartmoor’s stone resources wisely? Dartmoor’s varied stone resources have been used since prehistory to create the distinctive built heritage of the area, and further afield. However, for many years, quarrying within the national park has been perceived by many as anathema, and since 1997 there has been no working granite quarry on Dartmoor. However, two quarries survive, and both are important employers – one producing limestone on a large scale at Linhay, Ashburton and another, much smaller in scale, producing metamorphic building stone at Yennadon, Dousland. The principle of using local stone for local and regional needs fits with contemporary ideas about wise and environmentally sound use of resources.
Are we doing enough to meet this imperative? A wide range of speakers will explore what makes Dartmoor stone so special – in the morning, its geology, archaeology, and potential use for historic and modern buildings will be explored; in the afternoon the role of the two working quarries will be told and there will be ample time for discussion. Chairman: Dr Tom Greeves, 10:00am to 5:00pm at Meldon Village Hall, EX20 4LU. Prior booking essential by Monday 15 October. Members £17; non-members £20 (to include coffee, buffet lunch and tea). Visit www.dartmoorsociety.com to book online and for more details.
Saturday 20 October
The Teenage Market The Teenage Market – a showcase for young entrepreneurs in the area – is set to return to Tavistock in the newly refurbished Butchers’ Hall. The concept was created when teenage brothers Tom and Joe Barratt decided that there should be a specialist market designed specifically for the large population of young people in their hometown of Stockport and were overwhelmed when hundreds of young people applied to take part in the first Teenage Market in 2012. Co-ordinator Neil Jory says: “The event is completely free to take part in and is open to all young people aged 13-25 from across the area, to
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showcase their talents and entrepreneurial spirit. All we ask is that you source or make your products and that you come along with a smile and enthusiasm to sell your wares.” A table will be available for each trader and there will also be a dedicated space for performers. It’s really easy to get involved – all you need to do is visit the Traders and Performers sections of the website to register and create a profile at theteenagemarket.co.uk or find it on facebook. Butchers’ Hall Tavistock 10.00am to 4.00pm.
TH
YM PL
HEALTHY, CHALLENGING FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY! Book online 3 or more days in advance to receive an automatic 20% DISCOUNT on standard price bookings!
DON’T MISS OUT! See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
FOL L US OOW N:
The Ship, 17 Brest Road, PL6 5AA
T: 01752 717567 E: info@clipnclimbplymouth.co.uk
W: www.clipnclimbplymouth.co.uk 45
WHAT’S ON EXTRA
Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 November
Sleighed to Death Following the success of last year’s production ‘Murdered to Death’, Milton Abbot Players will be staging another episode from the illustrious career of Inspector Pratt this November. Set in a large country house in Scotland on a Christmas Eve in the mid-thirties, ‘Sleighed
to Death’ by Peter Gordon promises to be a great evening’s entertainment. The Christmas festivities at Walton Hall include a magic show, fancy dress, ghost-busting and, of course, attempted murder. Shots will ring out (hopefully!), magic tricks will go wrong (definitely and possibly fatally), identities will be confused and ferrets will escape, but if all goes to plan, order will be restored by the end of the evening. Eileen Taylor is directing a brilliant cast and the backstage team are busy creating another brilliant set. You won’t want to miss it! Milton Abbot Village Hall - Doors open at 7.15pm and curtain up at 7.45pm. For box office contact 01822 870116 or email romillycousins@gmail.com
On tour from 16 November
Tavonians presents ‘Talking Heads’ Tavonians Theatre Company is taking Talking Heads on tour around local towns and villages, following its great success as part of Tavistock Festival earlier in the year and a recent charity performance. The performance includes staged readings of two of Alan Bennett’s much-loved dramatic monologues. Although the plays deal with a variety of subjects, there are certain recurring themes such as guilt and isolation. In A Lady of Letters, Sarah Denne plays Irene, a working-class single woman who is not afraid to speak, or rather write, her mind: she writes letters to her MP, the police, the chemist – everyone she can, to remedy the social ills she sees around her. Her letters have a dramatic consequence which impacts on her life, but doesn’t change her attitudes or feelings. In A Cream Cracker under the Settee, Pam Smith plays Doris, a woman who despite being incapacitated by a fall, is trying to clear up after her considerably less thorough
home help. She remains determined to stay living on her own in considerable pain rather than be shunted off to a care home ‘smelling of pee’. The tour starts on 16 November in Meavy Parish Hall and includes PrimRaf Theatre in Callington, Toast Coffee House in Okehampton, and the Coronation Hall in Mary Tavy. Some performances include a meal or opportunities to order a pretheatre supper, or bring your own interval snacks. Full details of dates and venues can be found at tavonians.org.uk or phone 08455 196592.
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.
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WHAT’S ON EXTRA
16 November to 5 January
Magical Garden Illuminations ‘Glow’ Follow the fabulous festive illuminations along a new route around RHS Rosemoor’s Foliage Garden and Stream Field, extended to the lake. Come and enjoy the magical illumination of the garden in the depths of winter, with remarkable, hi-tech colour-changing lights, illuminating the trees, shrubs and sculptures, making an amazing show. Rosemoor’s awardwinning Garden Kitchen Restaurant will be open late with a special family-friendly ‘simple suppers’ menu (please pre-book) and there are great Christmas shopping opportunities available in our gift shop. Normal garden admission includes entry to Glow. Last entry to the garden and gift shop, plus last food service all at 7.30pm.
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
Until 17 February, 10am - 5pm
Winter Sculpture Exhibition
RHS Rosemoor’s annual winter sculpture exhibition continues through into 2019 with an exciting and eclectic mix of exhibits from a diverse collection of sculptors, throughout the garden, as well as a number of pieces inside. It will also include our poignant commemoration of the end of the First World War, the ‘Unknown Soldier’ by George Hider and ceramic poppies designed by local artist Renée Kilburn. Pick up a trail and see how many sculptures you can discover. Most of the pieces exhibited are for sale. Normal garden admission applies, and free, guided sculpture walks leave the visitor centre at 2pm most Wednesday afternoons.
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WHAT’S ON EXTRA
Friday 30 November, 7pm
Trees of Light Lions Club president Jan Meakin, will turn on this year’s Trees of Light on the front of the Town Hall; each light is sponsored by an individual or family in memory of a departed loved one and all the money raised going to local charities. Since the club started it in 1999, the trees have raised nearly £98,000 in sponsorship. The Lions will be joined by local clergy for an interdenominational service and members of Stannary Brass Band will lead carol singing. Before and after the switch-
on, there will be hot chocolate and a mince pies courtesy of the Lions Club. The club would like to thank Morris Bros. (Tavistock) Ltd, Tavistock Town Council and Tavistock Times Gazette for their help with this event. For more details visit tavistocklions.org.uk, visit the Facebook page or call 0845 8334807.
Saturday 27 October
Tavistock Deanery Ringing Festival This festival, better known as ‘Deanery Day’, has been running since at least the 1930s. Belltowers in the deanery are opened up for the day, and all bellringing teams in the deanery have an open invitation to ring at any or all of the towers; teams choose their own route and if two teams arrive simultaneously they share the ringing or wait their turn. Each year, one tower acts as host and this year the festival is being hosted by St Mary’s, Lifton, where at the end of the day all the teams will come together to ring the bells, attend a service and enjoy a ringers’ tea. David Pike is the current organiser of the event and says that ringers from Lamerton, Peter Tavy, Meavy, Tavistock, Bere Ferrers, Buckland, Kelly, Sampford
Spiney, Sydenham Damerel, Walkhampton and Whitchurch usually take part. Donna Baker has supported the festival since the 1960s and also organised it for many years - she says: “Nobody seems to know when this lovely traditional day began, but it is and always has been a relaxed and happy day, bringing ringers from different towers together, and is often appreciated in villages whose bells are rarely rung now. I hope it will continue for many more years.” If you are interested in learning to ring, approach your local bellringing tower or contact David Pike on 01822 841417 and he will put you in touch with a team in your area.
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Saturday 17 November
Pudsey Day Of Morris This popular event, dubbed ‘Pudsey Day Of Morris’, is once again being organised by Dartmoor Border Morris who have invited some 20 different Morris sides to perform in Tavistock`s Bedford Square, outside the Co-op in Brook Street, and the library in Plymouth Road. As the name would suggest, we will be armed with collecting buckets and aiming to collect money for the BBC Children in Need charity. Last year, in just six hours, the kind people of Tavistock donated £1070, and for the once we didn`t have any rain! The day will start at 10:00am and end at 4:00pm, with Morris sides coming from the likes of Dobwalls, Plymouth, Ilfracombe and Taunton to join in the day. So, get ready for plenty of colour, live music and infectious positive energy – there’s even a danger you might want to join in! There will also be a fabulous music session from 4:00pm in the Explorer Pub (upstairs) on Pym
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
Street. If you are interested in getting involved, or want more information, check out www.dartmoorbordermorris.com or like our Facebook page. If you have ever fancied joining a Morris side, this is the time of year that we welcome new individuals to come and give us a boost. We are a family-based, mixed side of various ages and backgrounds and meet every Wednesday evening at 8 pm through the winter till the end of April, in Meavy parish hall. Open practice night is for anyone interested in Morris dance or music making. For more information visit www. dartmoorbordermorris.com
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NATIONAL TRUST
Half-term fun at Buckland Abbey Take a gentle stroll through the changing colour of Buckland’s woodlands. Jump into piles of crunchy leaves and soak up the beauty of the season in the peace and tranquillity. Turn your walk into a family adventure as you head out on an expedition around the world with Francis Drake. Pick up your World Encompassed passport from visitor welcome and collect stamps from each of the countries you visit. The adventure continues indoors with penguin spotting! Did you know that Drake and his crew ate 3,000 penguins during his voyage around the world? At Buckland, we have 12 penguins who have hidden themselves around the abbey, disguised as members of the crew, but can you find them all? October half term will be packed with family activities for the whole family to enjoy. Why not try your hand at one of our family crafting sessions or come and listen to a spooky story of myths and legends on the high seas. We also have our annual apple pressing day with Buckland Food Growers on 13th October, plus apple themed treats in the restaurant and Buckland’s very own spiced apple cake. For more information on events visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
buckland-abbey
OCTOBER HALF-TERM 22nd-28th October Hunt out Penguins, get creative or simply find a great big pile of leaves to jump in - there’s lots to enjoy for the whole family at Buckland this autumn.
CHRISTMAS FOOD AND CRAFT FAIR 9th-11th November Our annual Christmas craft and food fair returns with over 40 stalls of the finest local produce - the ideal place to pick up a gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself.
WORLD ENCOMPASSED EXHIBITION Until March 2019 The exhibition looks at the legend of Francis Drake, how he made his name from humble backgrounds to arguably one of England’s most famous sailors. It also includes a piece of art work by local ceramicist Fi Smart who has created a life size drum which encapsulates scenes from Buckland Abbey.
Buckland Abbey Add some colour to
Christmas craft andthis food fair. 9your weekend 11 November, 10am-�.30�m.
autumn at Gibside
Free park and ride from Harrowbeer air field - £3 entry to the fair. Go crunching through leaves 5s and free. discoverBlue a forest Members andfallen under teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking badge only at the Abbey. routes for allparking ages and abilities. Call 01822 853607 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland 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 �rust, su��ort hel�s us to look s�ecial �laces property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered number © National Trust registered charity, number 205846.charity, Photography 205846. Photography © National Trust Images. Images.
50
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NATIONAL TRUST
Join the festivities at Cotehele Autumn has to be my favourite time of year to explore the outdoors. With the leaves starting to fall, beautiful autumn colours and a slight chill in the air, it’s a wonderful time to stroll around the gardens and estate at Cotehele. There’s loads of things happening inside and out in October. Join us on 20-21 Oct as we celebrate Tamar Valley local food and crafts with our first ever Autumn Market. Get spooked at our Halloween events between 20-28 Oct at Cotehele Mill, or explore the house in the dark at our annual Fright Night on 27 Oct. October half-term is also your last chance to see Cotehele Mill before it closes for winter from 28 Oct. Heading into November, our annual Christmas garland returns – this year we’re commemorating the centenary of the end of the First World War with a special artwork by Dominique Coiffait, inspired by the ebb and flow of life in Cotehele, complementing our traditional 60ft cut flower garland. See the garland being built from 29 Oct – 9 Nov, or admire its beauty once it’s finished from 10 Nov – 6 Jan. For more details on events at Cotehele and Cotehele Mill, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PAINTING WORKSHOPS WITH PETER DOLBEAR Fri 19 Oct, 10.30am-4pm Join local artist Peter Dolbear to learn the skills of painting in the beautiful setting of Cotehele. Booking essential, £75 per person, call 01579 351346 to book.
WINTER CRAFT FAIR Sat 3-4 Nov, 11am-4pm Get ahead with some early Christmas shopping at our annual craft fair, featuring a range of local art and craft markers selling a range of handmade and affordable gifts. Free entry.
SECRET COTEHELE TOURS Wed 14, Thu 15, Mon 19 and Tue 20 Nov, 10am-1.30pm Join one of our knowledgeable tour guides for an in-depth tour of Cotehele and a peek behind closed doors as the house gets its annual deep clean. Morning coffee and lunch included. Booking essential, £27.50 per person, call 01579 351346 to book.
Add Add some some colour colourto toyour day autumnthis at yourthis weekend Cotehele autumn at Gibside ��en daily fro� 10.30a�
Stroll around the Cotehele estate for breath-taking views thediscover ValleyaGarden, Go crunching through fallenfrom leaves and forest teeming wildlife and autumnautumnal colours, withsunshine walking piles ofwith crunchy leaves, routes for all ages and abilities. and slices of delicious cake
Call 01579 351346 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele 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 �rust, su��ort hel�s us to look s�ecial �laces property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2017. 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\John Parker. Images.
#nationaltrust #nationaltrust
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51
NATIONAL TRUST
Autumn activities at Lydford Gorge Whatever the weather a visit to the gorge is an adventure. After heavy rain the river will be crashing and tumbling over the cascades, and there will be lots of puddles to splash in. If you’re lucky enough to catch some early autumn sunshine then the gorge is filled with glorious golden light. Take the opportunity to explore the Devil’s Cauldron and river path on the full gorge trail before they shut for maintenance over the winter (Monday 29 Oct – Friday 1 March). You could also indulge in a cream tea or one of the new paninis in the tearoom. To experience the gorge after sunset join us for a torchlit walk to Whitelady Waterfall. There will also be plenty on offer to get the kids into the spirit of Halloween over the half-term. For more information please visit our website or give us a call on 01822 820320. Normal admission applies to events.
HALLOWEEN TRAIL
TORCHLIT WALK October 26, 5.30-6.30pm Light your way to Whitelady Waterfall with a flaming torch, enjoy enchanting music as the night descends, then head back to warm up with a hot chocolate and toast marshmallows over the fire. £10 (£8 for members) per torch, £2 for accompanying adults and children over 5, booking essential
SPOOKY DAY October 28, 11am-3pm Make your very own broomstick, fashion yourself a finger bat and take home a magic wand. Join in the potions class to brew up some strange concoctions. £5 per child
WINTER FAIR Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 December, 11am-3pm
October 20 to 28, 10am-3.30pm Creep through witch’s wood following the spooky trail, can you escape the clutches of the creepy crawlies to gain your prize? £3 per trail
Pick up a Dartmoor Christmas tree and do some Christmas shopping supporting local craft and food producers. Free entry to all
Can you find the Add some colour crunchiest leaftoat your weekend this Lydford autumn atGorge? Gibside
Open daily until Sunday 28 Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forestto October, then Thursday teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities. Sunday during November 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\John Millar.
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MUSIC & ART
Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 October
The King and I It’s been all change for Tavistock Musical Theatre Company this year! After our very successful production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in 2017, directed by Julian Bennett, we are now proud to present ‘The King and I’, directed by guest director Mark Sidey, who we are very pleased to welcome hot-foot from directing ‘Oliver’ at Sterts Theatre and Arts Centre in Cornwall, where he is artistic director. ‘The King and I’ is a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical telling the tale of a widowed British schoolteacher, Anna, who travels to Siam (now Thailand) to work as governess to the King of Siam’s wives and children, as part of the king’s bid to modernize his country. An unusual and challenging relationship develops between the king and Anna, and the musical includes a number of well-known songs, such as ‘Shall We Dance’. This year, TMTC has a change of venue for our production as we will be performing in Tavistock Town Hall, where the
raised stage will be extended into the audience to the tune of twenty feet. Our cast includes a number of newcomers: Debbie Lawson playing Anna, and her son Cameron playing Louis, Olwen Keates as Lady Thiang, Sophie Tulley and Ryan Procter playing the lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha. One person who requires no introduction is Peter Clement, playing the king. Rosemary Fox is once again our MD and Patti Stott our choreographer and wardrobe mistress. This show promises to be extremely colourful and exciting - so forget the London Palladium revival and come and see ours! 7.00pm Monday to Friday, 1:30pm matinee on Saturday at Tavistock Town Hall - book online at www.tavimtc.co.uk or telephone 01752 795461. Check our Facebook page and posters for full details.
Saturday 17 November
Haldon Quartet The Haldon Quartet consists of four leading professional string players rooted in the West Country, who are united in their desire to play the classics of the string quartet repertoire and, where appropriate, newer works to audiences. Their diverse backgrounds and musical interests nourish their collective approach and they enjoy uniting their skills in the wonderful repertoire of this genre. They also enjoy interaction with audiences and speaking about the pieces played; bringing
fabulous music to communities where it is not a regular occurrence to witness such live music making, is a real joy and very rewarding. 7:30pm at Peter Tavy Village Hall, tickets available on 01822 810552
Tavistock Musical Theatre Company Are Pleased to Present
Rogers & Hammerstein’s
The
King & I
at Tavistock Town Hall
Music by RICHARD ROGERS • Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Tues October 23rd - Fri October 26th at 7: 00pm • Sat October 27th Matinee Only at 1: 30pm Tickets £13:00 Under 16’s £11:00 Book online at tavimtc.co.uk or call 01752 795461 Based on ‘Anna & the King of Siam’ by Margaret Landon. Original Choreography by Jerome Robbins An amateur production by arrangement with R & H Theatricals Europe
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
53
MUSIC & ART
Thursday 15 November
Kit Holmes with Allan Greenwood A fun entertaining evening to get your musical taste buds tingling! Kit’s trademark sultry vocals and virtuoso guitar playing have wowed audiences across the UK through extensive touring with the guitar hero, John Etheridge. The Observer described her music as ‘Macy Gray meets Nick Drake’, and she has featured on both Bob Harris’s and Andy Kershaw’s BBC shows. Recent gigs include: Paul McCartney’s LIPA; the Anne Frank Awards at the BBC; a performance for Bill Bryson and Andy Kershaw, and a headline show at the
International Guitar Festival of Great Britain. Kit’s third album, ‘Driving into the Blue’, which features the legendary double bass player Danny Thompson, was met with high critical acclaim. Expect an enthralling and energetic live performance of ‘blues-driven roots with a soul sensibility’. 7:30pm at Mary Tavy Coronation Hall; tickets: £8 adults, £4 children - available on 01822 810408, Mary Tavy Post Office or on the door. ‘Impressive…a new British guitar heroine’ The Guardian
Starting 24th November
Acoustic Café– music, food and fun! It’s back! - this time in Kingdon House. A small group of music fans and supporters of Kingdon House are bringing back the highly successful Acoustic Café to be held on the last Saturday of each month, except for December and August when there are so many other things to do. The musicians have not been selected yet, but with so many and such a variety of good quality acoustic musicians around this area we trust that no one will be disappointed. This will be a pay-on-thedoor event so don’t be late! We hope
to provide a simple meal if required and you can bring a drink, although teas and coffees will be available. For those that remember the original Acoustic Café when it had several venues, it was always a good evening, meeting with old friends, a wholesome meal and some excellent music. It also provided a venue for new musicians to play a song or two on their way to stardom! Well, the Acoustic Café intends to carry on that heritage and all profits will go towards the Kingdon House refurbishment fund. The first new Acoustic Café will be
on 24th November at 7.30pm in The Studio at Kingdon House – cost £5, plus reasonably priced food. LIVE MUSIC
WEDDINGS
CORPORATE
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MUSIC & ART
Saturday 24th November
Mount Kelly Choral Society Autumn Concert
Mount Kelly Choral Society’s autumn concert will include performances of Vivaldi’s Magnificat and Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols, and will be conducted by Julian Jensen, director of music at Mount Kelly College. Antonio Vivaldi composed several settings of the Magnificat hymn, but the original setting in nine
movements was composed either before 1717 or in 1719. Guest soloists for the performance will feature two sopranos, an alto and a tenor soloist, in addition to a small string ensemble. Ralph Vaughan Williams always retained a passion for the festival of Christmas which was nourished early on by his love of
the carol and of childhood memories of singing at his home in Surrey. His lifelong fervour for Christmas and all its cultural manifestations was powerfully expressed in four works of which Fantasia on Christmas Carols was the first. It was initially performed in 1912 in Hereford Cathedral, and conducted by the composer. Sir Hubert Parry noted in his diary: ‘Vaughan Williams carol piece very jolly.’ The concert will take place at 7.30pm in St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock. Tickets will be available at Mount Kelly College reception, Bookstop in Tavistock and on the door. For more details visit www. kellychoralsociety.com
Saturday 20th October, 7.30pm
Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir Our annual Autumn Concert at St Eustachius’ Church in Tavistock promises to be a wonderful evening of male voice singing from two of the finest west country male choirs. This year’s guests are the Mevagissey Male Choir which was formed in 1974 and quickly matured, under MD Harold Miller, into one of the leading and largest choirs in Cornwall, with currently
over 60 members, including several founder members. The choir took part in all four Festivals of Cornish Male Voice Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall and has toured extensively overseas, raising many thousands of pounds for charity. The Autumn Concert will be compered by Jim Christophers, a founder member of the TVMVC who now lives in Cornwall and will be supporting Children’s Hospice South West. Tickets:
adult £10, children (under 14years) £5, available from Bookstop, Market Street, Tavistock or Mary Tavy PO/Stores (01822 810422) or Ray Hinton (07817521185) or any choir member. We always welcomes new members, so if you are interested in joining The Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir visit tamarvalleymvc.co.uk for details.
The Arts Society South Devon offers enjoyable opportunities to discover and support the arts of yesterday, today and tomorrow, this is just a sample of our forthcoming lectures. 10th October 2018 Dame Laura Knight The lecture will trace the life of one of the first women to be elected as a full Royal Academician who was also an official war artist in the Second World War.
14th November 2018 Hidden Canvases - Street Art & The City There’s more to street art than Banksy, this lecture is a beginners guide to the biggest art movement since Pop Art. SOUTH DEVON
For more information on these and to see a full list of the coming seasons lectures please visit our website
www.theartssocietysouthdevon.org.uk • email: info@theartssocietysouthdevon.org.uk See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
55
FOOD & WINE
A good vintage in 2018 In my previous articles, the focus has flexed between the merits of new concepts in wine development, grape varieties with unpronounceable names, and wine trends… but always a mention of the latest vintage. Well, it is in the autumn that the implications of the vintage really become apparent. With that in mind, I have recently been spending time in southern France, reviewing both the quality and quantity, not to mention the prices of the 2018 vintage. This task of late has become all the more serious, as I find myself the buyer for a wine consortium of 24 independent, like-minded wine merchants, with a focus on southern France. This new task, whilst pleasurable does tend to focus one’s mind as independent wine merchants really do need to maintain the upper edge in the wines we buy. Whilst price is always critical, quality must never be compromised. My task as a buyer has become less arduous as I can share my responsibilities with my ‘Master of Wine’ son, Liam. His time spent as senior buyer for Waitrose, and now his role as a wine maker of note for wines predominantly from southern France, means we are well-placed to hunt out yet further intriguing and handcrafted wines. While attending a recent wine seminar, there was huge relief as we welcomed in new wines from the 2018 vintage; following the dreadful, short and very testing, 2017 vintage, much bigger yields and top quality are very apparent across most of the regions of France, and indeed Europe. After a near perfect summer, and a dry harvest, our producers are very upbeat, and yet they are less than receptive for prices to be reduced. In years of small and troubled production, prices need to be raised to compensate for lack of stock. And yet in years of plenty, prices also need to be raised… because they do! Make hay while the sun shines.
Whilst my personal preference for French and European wines is very apparent, at a recent new world tasting, the European styles are now being impeccably replicated by their counterparts in the southern hemisphere. With wine makers ‘pinging’ from one hemisphere to the other, it is inevitable that their personal emphasis in wine production, is apparent in the wines they create. One of the stars of a recent tasting was an intriguing New-Zealand-German Riesling blend - the very best of each country, racy, highly charged yet crisp acidity, typical of the Germanic style, in total balance with the slightly weightier, fuller structure of the New World style. Fingers crossed, it will be here for Christmas!
Despite the looming chaos of Brexit, wine continues to offer great relief and pleasure, and if you ask the right doctors it is apparently good for you… I think I got that right! So here’s a date for your diaries: November 18th Beaujolais Nouveau! The 2018 vintage, like all wines from this vintage is looking exceedingly promising. Do not miss out on this gem of a wine which always offers great insight into the new vintage. Charles Steevenson
e h t o t s e n i w y t i l a u q t a e r g g n s i r y e l p m p o u t s s u , s C r e a t e a y v i r 30 P & e t a r o p r o C iL censed Trahder,oughout the South West. t
VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE - REGISTER ONLINE TO RECEIVE OUR MONTHLY OFFERS! Plymouth Road Industrial Estate, Tavistock PL19 9QN • 01822 616272 • orders@steevensonwines.co.uk 56
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FOOD & WINE
Toffee Apples Ingredients 5 Granny Smith apples 175g light soft brown sugar 20g butter 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tbsp golden syrup 60ml water wooden lolly sticks
Method Lay out a sheet of baking parchment, insert lolly sticks into the apples (stalk end) and place on the sheet. Heat the sugar and water gently in a pan, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the other ingredients when it comes to the boil and continue to boil for 10-12 minutes, until a small amount of the mixture will set when dropped into cold water. Dip the apples into the toffee mixture and turn to coat evenly. Place on baking parchment to harden.
MRS MURRAY’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR On Wednesday 7th November Mrs Murray’s annual Christmas Fair returns for its 6th year. Last year was a huge success and we are fortunate to welcome back many of the same stall holders along with some exciting newcomers. Once again we are supporting Devon Air Ambulance and our stallholders have kindly agreed to donate 10% of their takings to this worthwhile charity. This year we are also hosting a preview evening on Tuesday 6th November where you can get first pick of the stallholders wares. This is open from 7pm-9pm and will be £9.50 per person entry which includes a glass of wine & canapes - please book in advance.
The main day will be open from 10.30am to 3.30pm at £5 per person entrance only or £11 per person to include lunch. Please make a booking for lunch to avoid disappointment.
LEWTRENCHARD MANOR
Come and enjoy morning coffee by the roaring log fires Take afternoon tea or a light lunch in the beautiful courtyard Lunch and Dinner are both served in our elegant and relaxed dining rooms A private chefs restaurant for special occasions Please call for a copy of our Diary of Events We welcome non residents and are open all year
Lewdown, Okehampton EX20 4PN • 01566 783222 info@lewtrenchard.co.uk • www.lewtrenchard.co.uk
See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk n Hideaway in Devon LEWDOWN, OKEHAMPTON, DEVON EX20 4PN TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1566 783 222
EMAIL: INFO@LEWTRENCHARD.CO.UK WEB: WWW.LEWTRENCHARD.CO.UK
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MUSIC & ART OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE
Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers A 4-mile walk in the valley of the River Tavy on the edge of the moor with Tavistock Ramblers. Park at Zoar on the roadside verge near a row of old cottages (SX524807).
The walk passes the old mining hamlet of Horndon, follows the Hill Bridge Leat to the River Tavy and up to the moorland reservoir of Wheal Jewell. A splendid autumn walk through the woodland with reminders of the area’s industrial past. A mixture of quiet lanes, old tracks and moorland paths.
1. Leave the row of old miners’ cottages on your left and walk down the road towards Horndon, once a busy mining community. Go over the cattle grid and past a former chapel, with a huge monkey puzzle tree. 2. Turn left at the T-junction by the post box and pass some more old buildings. Turn left again at a second junction past Furzemans Farm. The tarmac lane ends and becomes a rough green lane as it descends.
WINTER CELEBRATIONS Festive Lunch & Dinner ¯ Crystal Party Nights Afternoon Tea ¯ Christmas Day Lunch Garland and Wreath Making Workshops New Year Party
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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE
3. After about 150m the track crosses the Hill Bridge Leat. This old leat, once serving the hugely successful copper mines of Wheal Friendship, now provides water for the Mary Tavy Hydro Electric power station. Go left over the stile to walk upstream towards Hill Bridge itself. There is a second stile and a couple of gates as the path meanders through the woodland with the River Tavy in the valley below. 4. After almost a mile the leatside path arrives at Hill Bridge and the weir where the water is taken from the River Tavy. The modern, and rather out-of-place, concrete and metal structures in the river are designed to protect migrating salmon. Go sharp left beside the weir up the steep slope to the road. Go left up the lane and round a sharp bend. Further on, look out for a rather challenging stone stile on the left signed as a public footpath - but this can, thankfully, be ignored. Continue past Hilltown Farm and bear left at a road junction signed
for Horndon. Go straight on at the next junction. There are fine views over the hedges towards Tavy Cleave. 5. Where the lane goes sharp left, continue straight ahead on a green lane signed as a public bridleway. At the top of this rocky track go through the moor gate and bear left on the path alongside the wall. Go through a gateway and past a fenced-off shaft up the grassy track, now bearing away from the wall on the left towards a rather ugly concrete building that is the Wheal Jewell reservoir building. (Go up the concrete steps to see the reservoir). Wheal Jewell gets its name from an old tin and arsenic mine last worked in WWI. Water from Tavy Cleave flows along an old leat which originally served several mines in the area, including Wheal Betsy, and now also feeds the Mary Tavy Hydro Electric power station. 6. Turn left on the stony track and back to the car.
Christmas Craft Fair
at
Saturday 24th November 2018
Come and join Tavistock Ramblers for more walks in our lovely part of Devon or on Dartmoor. Walks vary from short strolls to all-day treks and everything in between. See www.tavistockramblers. org.uk for the programme of walks on offer.
LAKESIDE ROADFORD L AKE
10.30am until 3.30pm
Stand Info: £15 per stand- includes 5ft table with two chairs • Indoor Event • Café on site • Free Wi-Fi • Set-up from 8.30am • Free car parking for stand holders
Free Entry for Customers 01566 784859 • www.southwestlakes.co.uk • lakeside@swlakestrust.org.uk Roadford Lake, between Okehampton and Launceston PL16 0RL Find us on Facebook - Roadford Lake
See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
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HISTORY
Remember On 22nd of May 1921 the Tavistock war memorial was unveiled and dedicated. On the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 an Armistice was signed at Compiègne, France, dictating cessation of hostilities between the allies and Germany. The armistice came into force at 11am on that historic day to end a war which had killed some 18 million people, military and civilian, and wounded some 23 million more. Three years later, on the 22nd of May 1921, Tavistock unveiled and dedicated a granite war memorial in Guildhall Square commemorating, on that special day, 111 of Tavistock’s sons who fell in that terrible conflict. By the date of closure for names, November 1923, a further 8 names had been added, and, in 2005, a further name, that of Frederick Dashper. The first Tavistock related death during the war was that of Hugh-Mockler Ferryman of the Second Battalion of the Oxford and Bucks, killed by shell fire on the 16th of September at the first battle of the Aisne and buried in the nearby churchyard at La Soupir; the last, that of Frederick Hicks of the Royal Army Service Corps who died in Salisbury after being invalided home from the Western Front. Frederick is buried in the Plymouth Road Cemetery. For many citizens of Tavistock this war memorial was to be the only place where relatives and friends could grieve the loss of their loved one, despite the fact that some had graves around the battlefields of the Great War and on commemorative monuments such as the wonderful Menin Gate and Thiepval memorials. Isolated graves of Tavistock’s fallen of the Great War are to be found in Niederzwehren and Hamburg in Germany, Salonika and Karasouli in Greece, Jerusalem and Ramleh in Israel, Baghdad and Basra in Iraq, Cairo in Egypt, Barrackpore in India, and Brisbane in Australia, as well as seventeen graves in Britain, one in Ebrington, one in Lambeth, and others at home, in Gulworthy churchyard or Tavistock’s Plymouth Road Cemetery. Of those commemorated on our memorial, eighty-five were in the British Army, one third of which had no known grave, six were members of Canadian forces and one fought in the Indian Army, three Royal Marines, nineteen Royal Navy personnel and two in the, then, infant Royal Flying Corps. 60
Whilst hostilities ended on 11 November 1918 the war memorial also records the deaths of one man who died in the ‘left-over’ war in Mesopotamia in modern Iraq in 1920 and of nine men who died of war related conditions in various parts of the United Kingdom. The Tavistock War memorial must also be fairly unique in recording a World War One ‘death’ for a man who died in 1964. These were, of course, predominantly young men. It is, however, misleading to follow the notion, often expounded, that they were little more than boys when they died. The youngest was sixteen, and there were eleven others who were still in their teens. There were, on the other hand, nine who were over forty, and the oldest was fifty-three. The average age at death was twenty-nine. Families were informed of losses through official channels, telegrams, or letters, although on occasions they received the news from the published lists that appeared in the press, predominantly in the Tavistock Gazette. Considerable efforts were made to ensure that more detailed, and personal letters were sent to wives and/or mothers from commanding officers, who were advised that, whatever else they wrote, they should give to the grieving family the confirmation that their loved ones had died instantaneously and had received a proper burial. The circumstances did not always make it easy for those assurances to be given. To ten Tavistock families the heartbreak occurred twice, in the case of one family, the Watts family of Morwellham, three times; the Hoskyns-Abrahall family were to lose a father and a son. For most of those who received these dreaded messages the prospect was a period of great hardship. For all of them there was the heartache and the sense of loss and waste. Today there likely remain none who personally were related to or knew any of those who fell, but for the present-day descendants, the pain, although dulled by time, and the pride, likely still persist. We who came later, and who take for granted the liberties that were hard won by the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in terrible and bloody conflict, should perhaps reflect that the debt we owe to the war dead and to their surviving dependents has never been fully paid.
HISTORY
Using the Devon Record Offices for Family History Research
Francis Collacott died at the first battle of the Somme, 8 Jul 1916, age 23. He was born in Plymouth 4 July 1893, a member of the wellknown Tavistock family.
Frederick Maker, born in Tavistock 19 June 1871, died in Ebrington in Gloucestershire, 28 Sep 1916, from a disease contracted while on service in Egypt.
The First World War, or Great War, was also heralded by some as ‘The War to end all Wars’. The Tavistock War Memorial is one of many such memorials to ‘Our Glorious Dead’ which remind us many years on of the stupidity of such phrases but which, at the same time, do reflect the town’s proud memories of those that fell, not only in World War One, but also in the worldwide conflict that followed some twenty years later and was to cost 60 million lives. The debt we owe to those who died, even one hundred years after the end of the Great War, is ably demonstrated by the large attendances at the town’s war memorial every Armistice Day. Our town memorial is truly a proud and significant reminder of the debt we owe to the Tavistock fallen. Alex Mettler
On Sunday 11 November Alex Mettler will give a talk about the men of Tavistock who died in the First World War, whose names are inscribed on the Tavistock war memorial. This will take place at approx 12:30 in Tavistock Town Hall. The talk is sponsored by the Tavistock Branch of the British Legion, Tavistock Town Council and the Tavistock Heritage Trust. For more information on the history and heritage of Tavistock please visit the Tavistock Heritage Trust website www.heritageintavistock.org.
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Every county holds historical records pertaining to their area, usually in a County Record Office. These paper records are far more extensive than the records which are currently available online, and it is often worthwhile making a trip to look at documents which can help you discover more about your ancestors. Historical records for Devon are kept at the Devon Heritage Centre in Exeter, and also at the North Devon Record Office in Barnstaple and at the Plymouth and West Devon Record Office. In this article I will talk about the Exeter centre, located at Great Moor House, Bittern Road, Exeter EX2 7 NL (open 10am to 5pm, closed on Mondays). You will need to take ID so you can be issued with a readers’ card and it’s a good idea to check on the website or phone 01392 888700 to find out whether they hold the kinds of records you are looking for. The Devon Heritage Centre generally holds collections relating to the whole county, including the diocesan records, county quarter sessions and county council collections. This includes estate and family collections, and solicitors’ collections which cover more than one area of Devon. Most of these records are not filmed or digitised, and are only available in their original format. The Centre also holds non-conformist registers, bishops’ transcripts, tithe maps and apportionments, plus electoral registers, land tax assessments and the Inland Revenue wills series. The West Country Studies Library, which contains the county collection of local history material is also available at the Devon Heritage Centre. It includes published books, manuscript volumes, pamphlets, journals, maps, prints, engravings, photographs, newspapers and various files relating to local parish and family history. The staff at the centre are very helpful. You can sometimes also order photocopies or photos of documents via phone or email, if you cannot visit the centre.
Susan Francia Family History Research Services 01822 820855 fhistoryresearch@gmail.com www.family-historyresearch.co.uk 61
BUSINESS
A win-win enterprise Enchanted House Beds has plenty of reasons to celebrate this year - full order books, an increase in staff numbers and now officially able to use the coveted Dartmoor National Park Authority logo, thanks to its enthusiastic backing of Dartmoor wool. Stuart Cann, 40, has been making beds since he was 16. He launched the company only three and a half years ago in Okehampton with just one member of staff. They’ve now expanded to take on a unit across the road, and the payroll has increased to 15 - all the employees are skilled local workers, made redundant by Relyon a year or so ago. Enchanted House makes handmade beds and mattresses; in a world where mass-produced, cheap goods can often be king, Enchanted House beds are made by individual craftsmen - although they are so experienced, two men can make a king-sized mattress and base in a day. Stuart said: “We are doubling in size every year - the bed market nationally is really slow, but we have gone for the highend products and there are always people who are prepared to pay for something that’s well made - and locally made. It’s like food - they like to know the provenance of what they are
paying for and there’s definitely a demand for mattresses made from natural, sustainable products.” And you can’t get much more local, than when the Dartmoor wool used in an Enchanted House bed comes from Stuart’s family farm on the edge of the moor – as Stuart explained: “We want to support Dartmoor farmers and we pay more for the wool than the Wool Board does. Several breeds are becoming endangered now, so we hope that by using this wool, the numbers will be kept up.” The wool is washed in Yorkshire using a natural water process and then fed by hand into a wool breaker which fluffs out the fibres, the odd bit of straw falling away from the natural wool during the process! Mattresses may also include silk, cashmere, alpaca and horsetail hair - the latter providing natural spring and moisturewicking properties. The company’s beds are now found all over the world, and the business was especially thrilled to be asked to make the beds for top chef Michael Caine’s wonderful new hotel and restaurant, Lympstone Manor. Enchanted House Beds is supporting Dartmoor National Park’s Donate for Dartmoor scheme to show how local businesses can support each other, as well as Dartmoor. Dartmoor National Park Authority is proud to endorse this approach and welcomes ideas from other businesses for ways to work together to keep Dartmoor the special place it is. For more information about Enchanted House Beds go to enchantedhousebeds.com or call 01837 318060. Jane Honey
Helping business to fly... Helping youryour business to fly... Traditional values but with a fresh modern approach We are a firm of Chartered Accountants and aim to be flexible for our clients so that they can focus on their business. Can’t meet during office hours? No problem, just give us a call and we’ll arrange a convenient time for you. Tax, VAT, accounts or bookkeeping. Whatever your needs, get in touch.
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TECH HELP
Tech tips from ChezvousPC Slow computer? Fancy a bit of a speed boost? - a ‘new’ type of hard drive called a solid-state drive might well be the answer. SSD prices have dropped and they are now a viable option for the home market. If your machine is a few years old, the hard drive might be slowing, and can probably be replaced with a much faster SSD at an affordable price. Give us a ring if your PC or laptop is a bit slow, and we’ll see if it might be the answer for you! It feels like we’ve mentioned this before, but we are still seeing a lot of scam calls, which can be very convincing. If you get someone calling you from ‘BT’, ‘TalkTalk’, ‘Microsoft’, ‘Openreach’ etc, and you aren’t expecting it or 100% certain they definitely are who they say they are, PLEASE question it! Tell them that you are very busy, could they call you back in 10 minutes, and then give us a ring on 01822 855822 to check. If they are genuine, they won’t mind waiting and if they aren’t, that quick phone call might save you thousands (yes, thousands) of pounds, which other local people have had stolen from their accounts.
Beware also, cheap USB sticks from Ebay! Last month two customers had problems with large capacity USB sticks used for backup. Although the unbranded USB sticks were sold as 64Gb or 128Gb - on testing, the 64Gb stick was actually 16Gb, and the 128Gb stick was only 8Gb! Unfortunately, your computer cannot tell the capacity of a stick when you plug it in, so if it is told it has 128Gb of storage, it will attempt to use it as such – resulting in a backup of corrupt files and little else. Branded USB sticks (we recommend Kingston) are not that expensive, and are more than worth the few pounds extra, especially if you are intending to use them as backup. Better safe than sorry in this case! 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
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TRADE SECRETS
Trade Secrets Michelle Stacey PROPERTY AGENT FOR M&B RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS Why did you become a property agent? I began working for a letting agency after leaving school and fortuitously found the position very much to my liking. As a result, I applied myself totally and subsequently obtained several qualifications. How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need to become a property agent? Legally there is no obligation to have qualifications. However, I believe they should be required as new legislation regarding this business is constantly being introduced. Our office has regular training updates and we are members of ARLA (Associate of Residential Letting Agents), NALS (National Association of Letting Agents), SafeAgent, NAEA, TDS and Property Redress Scheme.
How long have you been a property agent? For over twenty years and I have gradually worked into the position of owning my own company. What is it like owning your own business? On the whole I feel privileged to be in this position but realise that it brings a huge responsibility. Where do you work? I have an office in Derriford but due to current technology I can always communicate with clients when I’m on the road. We cover a huge area from East Cornwall throughout Devon so I spend a lot of time visiting landlords and tenants, walking the unbiased line between the two. Who else works with you? We are a team of 6. Two qualified negotiators, an office administrator, an apprentice and a part-time accountant What is involved in being a property agent? How does your day usually unfold? It is essential that an agent has full knowledge of the property market and a lot of this does come with experience.
Training & Conference Centre Modern Facility Wifi, projector Seating for up to 30
A ‘willing to learn’ attitude is therefore extremely important. Each day is different – some bring worries but the majority bring excitement. Hopefully I can look back at the end of each year with pride. What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career? You need to have good people and communication skills. You need to be versatile and capable of solving problems. The logistics of this job will keep anyone on their toes but to be a good agent you need to have confidence and empathy in equal measure. What is the best thing about your job? I would say the people that I work with and meet - but actually it is often the properties! A property can tell you so much about a person and I get to see some remarkable homes. Michelle has recently completed additional training and M&B Residential Lettings now offers a sales department, block management services and commercial lettings.
To obtain further information contact:
Tavyside Training & Conference Centre Tavyside Health Centre Abbey Rise, Tavistock Devon PL19 9FD
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TAVISTOCK
BATHROOMS & TILES By amanda - james