Oke Links July/August

OKE LINKS

July / August 2018

Issue 10

Okehampton • Moretonhampstead • Chagford • Chichacott • Stockley • Belstone • Bondleigh • North Tawton • Sampford Courtenay • Taw Green • Sticklepath • South Zeal • Throwleigh • Wonson • Lydford • Lewdown • Bridestowe • Gidleigh North Bovey • Sourton • Meldon • Boasley Cross • Bratton Clovelly • Portgate • Lewtrenchard

g n i t a r b Cele ! r e m m u the s

TIME FOR SHOWS, FAIRS AND GETTING OUT AND ABOUT INSIDE: LOCAL PEOPLE • EDUCATION • WHAT’S ON • GARDENING • HISTORY • NOTICEBOARD WHAT’S ON Festivals of sport, folk, food and music

HISTORY

A mysterious emblem and where to find them

CHARITY Volunteers caring for beautiful waterways

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

Celebrating the summer!

Hopefully as you sit down to read this edition of Oke Links, the sun will be blazing and barbecues will be in frequent use!

As I was preparing this issue we had just enjoyed two of those rarest of occurrences - sunny bank holidays - and the ‘Beast from the East’ was thankfully becoming a distant memory.

The local people I interviewed for this edition all have a particular interest in decent summer weather; a wild swimmer who just loves to experience the thrill of Dartmoor’s waterways, which are always more inviting on a sunny day; a Morris dancer who will be performing outdoors during most of the summer and an artisan ice cream maker who definitely gets very busy as the mercury rises!

Our charity focus this time is the Okement Rivers Improvement Group - this dedicated band of volunteers has made a tremendous difference to Okehampton over the last few years, not just clearing the town’s waterways of rubbish, but sourcing grants to make real community improvements that should be appreciated by visitors and residents alike.

Obviously summer weather makes it all the more delightful to get out and about on Dartmoor and if you fancy an exploration with a bit of a difference, take a look at our history feature on page 64 where you can learn about the mysterious Three Hares emblem and find these historic features on the Three Hares Trail.

Find out what’s in store at Okehampton Show in our feature on page 42, and take a look at the What’s On Extra pages plus the What’s On Listings including a special page for youngsters - there are so many events being staged in the area this summer, it was difficult fitting them all in!

I am always grateful to those individuals and organisations that take the time to call or email me with their events and projects - please keep them coming and if you know of anyone with an interesting tale to tell for our Local People features - let me know!

Jane Jane Honey – Editor.

Please contact me via email at: jane.honey@linksmagazines.co.uk or 07971 917071.

Photo credit front cover: JAYPHOTOS.CO.UK

The deadline for any inclusions in Sept/Oct issue is 3rd August 2018.

We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our many contributors for so kindly giving us their time and expertise, in helping keep our magazine so interesting to all.

OKE Links is produced by Olijam Communications Ltd. THE OLIJAM TEAM:

Editor: Editorial Director: Publisher: Design: Advertising:

Jane Honey Lizzie Watt Tim Randell Sara Venner, Julian Rees Jane Daniel, Victoria Smith

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

CONTENTS 5 NOTICEBOARD The latest from Okehampton Foodbank, good news from cancer charity Force and Okehampton ATC’s fundraising mission 13 KIDS’ WHAT’S ON Some suggestions for the school holidays 14 EDUCATION It’s been a busy year at North Tawton Primary 16 SPORTS NEWS Okehampton’s Festival of Sport, Moretonhampstead Bowls Club and badminton in North Tawton 18 LOCAL PEOPLE A wild swimmer, a Morris dancer and an ice cream maker 24 CHARITY FOCUS The Okement Rivers Improvement Group 29 HEALTH The benefits of Nordic Walking 30 GARDENING Advice to help make the most of late summer 42 FEATURE Okehampton Show - it’s a great day out!

45 WHAT’S ON EXTRA From boundary maintenance courses to shows and festivals 64 HISTORY What do the three hares emblems mean?

Linksmagazines MOOR

TAVY OKE

ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

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

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

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

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

All rights reserved copyright © 2018

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NOTICEBOARD

Waitrose looking for worthy causes customers after a transaction and they choose which local group they wish to support by placing their token in the relevant box. The money is divided at the end of the month corresponding with the number of tokens which have been placed in each box.

Waitrose is proud of its links to the local community. Its Green Token Scheme enables customers to nominate charitable and other locally-based organisations working within the communities in which it trades. On a monthly basis, three good causes are chosen and £1,000 of the store’s profit is made available to divide between them. A token is given to

Waitrose is currently looking for local organisations and good causes to join the scheme. Mike Bestwick, Okehampton branch manager, said: ‘The green token might seem like a small gesture for our customers but they’ve helped us give £100,000 to hundreds of fantastic causes in the local area.

The Community Matters scheme is a great way for us to get involved with the community, supporting causes which are important to both our employees and our customers and we’re really pleased to have reached this milestone figure.’

If you would like to nominate a local good cause, please fill in a Community Matters form available at the Welcome Desk in store or email Vickie Mills on communitymattersokehampton@ waitrose.co.uk for more information.

A lifeline for hungry kids over the summer holidays You may not have enjoyed your school dinners much as a child, but they can be much appreciated by families on benefits and low incomes, struggling to put food on the table. This summer, the Okehampton Foodbank will, once again, be providing special food packages for families in need over the six weeks of the school holidays. Across the District of West Devon nearly 10% of children are eligible for free school meals – 585 children in total. It’s important that these children also get enough to eat during holiday times.

Working closely with local schools, the aim is to ensure that children can enjoy the holiday time without the distraction of a hungry tummy. As we are all well aware, food is vital for the health of growing kids. When schools are closed for the summer it can be doubly difficult for parents on low incomes and benefits to afford enough food.

The Okehampton Foodbank is open every Friday between 10am and noon at the Fore Street Baptist Church in central Okehampton. As well as being the weekly hub for the Foodbank we provide tea, coffee and biscuits for anyone who wants to pop in for a friendly chat. Those in need of food can also go to the Okehampton Citizens’ Advice Bureau for a voucher and emergency package.

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

The Foodbank is completely reliant on volunteer help and donations. If you would like to help out or if you know of someone in need please contact the bank via admin@ okefoodbank.org.uk. Donations of food can be put in the box at the door of the Okehampton Co-op or Waitrose. If you would like to donate directly please do use the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/okefoodbank A big thank you to all those who have supported Okehampton Foodbank over the past year – your kind donations are hugely appreciated.

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NOTICEBOARD

Take the stress out of summer holidays

I do not think the company that sold me a doorstep loan carried out proper affordability checks and now I cannot afford to pay it back.

Can I get a refund?

The Financial Conduct Authority - which regulates the doorstep loan market - says a loan is unaffordable if you cannot make repayments without borrowing again.

Lenders must check your finances and situation including future income and spending - to make sure you can pay back the loan.

You might feel your agreement was unaffordable if you were given a loan that was more than you could manage to repay and it caused you problems.

If you think you are owed a refund, first complain to your lender. List the ways you think their affordability checks were not properly done, the problems this has caused, and what you would like to happen.

The lender must acknowledge your complaint promptly and has eight weeks to respond formally or resolve your problem.

If you are not happy with their response, or they don’t respond at all, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service using a form on its website.

Should the lender agree with your complaint, they may agree to write off the balance left on the loan or refund some of the interest you have paid.

If they don’t, and you have to take your complaint further, the Ombudsman can force the lender to write off the interest or even the remainder of the loan, and possibly order them to pay a small amount of compensation for your distress if they uphold the complaint.

The Ombudsman’s decision is binding on your lender.

For the most up-to-date advice, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk pop into your local office or call Adviceline on 03444 111 444 Okehampton Citizens Advice (Ockment Centre) Tues & Weds 10-4pm and Fri 10-1pm www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk 6

As school summer holidays approach, parents worry about how to keep the kids entertained. Long summers can be great, but they can also cause tension around childcare arrangements, money and activities. Relate offers these tips for having a summer holiday the whole family can enjoy:

Have a planning session It might be impossible to make sure everyone gets what they want from the summer holiday. Draw up a list of what everyone wants. It’s better to explain to children at this point that not all is possible. Planning is important, as it makes all feel they’re contributing and being listened to, it’s especially important if you’re separated or living in a step family as it might be different from what everyone is used to.

Set expectations This includes helping children to understand that you need to work even though they’re not at school, and you can’t entertain them all the time. Don’t be afraid to talk about money – if they want to do something you can’t afford, be honest with them and work out a cheaper alternative together.

Saving money Summer is a time to have fun without spending too much, because you can be outdoors. Getting everyone to help pack a picnic, enjoying your local park or green space and playing sports are all free. Look for free activities locally.

Resolving conflict It’s almost inevitable that there will be arguments when you’re spending concentrated time together and the routine changes.

It’s ok to argue – it’s a normal part of family life. It’s how you resolve arguments that matters. Once things have cooled down, take the time to talk an argument through and ask that each party apologises - that might include you! It’s good for children to see conflict being resolved in a calm way.

Relate has expanded its services in Okehampton and now offer three sessions on Tuesday mornings and three evening sessions on Wednesdays. All take place at The Okment Centre by appointment only. For more information call Relate on 0300 7729681.

NOTICEBOARD

Successful first year for ELF@Home ‘I was introduced to Jan and after just one visit I felt we had known each other for ages, we share so many interests and even just reminiscing about the past has given me endless pleasure - we can both talk for England and the visits are filled with laughter too.

Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) launched its befriending service in Devon in 2017. Called ELF@Home, the local service is dedicated to relieving isolation and improving the emotional well-being of people suffering from blood cancers and blood disorders in Devon. The first year of ELF@Home has been a huge success.

‘It’s so comforting to know if I am anxious or unsure about filling in a form or updating information on my laptop help is at hand there too.

For example, Jan visits Anne once a fortnight for a few hours, and is providing practical help, emotional support and companionship.

‘I look forward so much to my fortnightly visit and know my confidence and well-being is returning with every visit. I can honestly say ELF@Home is the medicine I needed, long may it continue.’

Anne said: ‘In 2012 both my husband John and myself were offered the service of ELF Transport; the team well were just like friends, making our visits to the RD&E for treatment something to look forward to.

Based on this success the next stage of the project is to expand befriending support in Devon, and introduce the task-based support project HELP@Home. If you would like to find out more or join ELF’s amazing team of home-visiting volunteers; or if you know someone who could benefit from ELF’s help, contact Sue Rose, community support services manager, on 07841 027228, or email sue@elfcharity.org.uk

‘When John died in April 2014 the help continued for me and last year it was suggested that that I might also benefit from ELF@Home. I was a little apprehensive and I didn’t feel I had the courage to make new friends when my ability to join in was very limited, however, the one-to-one befriending service has truly changed my life.

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

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NOTICEBOARD

Send a Cow helping over two million people In July 1988, a small group of Westcountry dairy farmers decided to send 32 of their pregnant dairy cows to Uganda.

Strict EU milk quotas had been forcing them to throw away good quality milk and even slaughter healthy dairy cows.

Meanwhile, Uganda was just emerging from a long civil war.

Communities and their farmland had been destroyed and much of the country’s livestock wiped out. Several of the UK farmers flew to Africa to investigate how they could help.

Meeting with Ugandan farmers, the Bishop of Mukono, and a livestock expert, they saw how smallholder dairy farming in Africa could work. People there were unable to feed themselves and milk would provide an instant source of nutrition. They returned to the UK determined to help and sent cows from their own herds to Uganda. The charity Send a Cow was born.

Since then the charity has continued to grow and develop.

Send a Cow has stayed true to its farming roots, empowering rural communities across east Africa to make the most of

their land. Livestock is no longer flown from the UK, but sourced locally. As well as cows, the charity also provides smaller livestock such as chickens, goats and pigs alongside comprehensive training in animal welfare and husbandry. It teaches families sustainable organic techniques and provides seeds so that people can grow their own food and lift themselves out of poverty permanently.

Since it was founded 30 years ago, Send a Cow has worked with over two million people across east Africa, giving them the support, confidence and skills to transform their own lives. To find out more about Send a Cow and how you can get involved visit www.sendacow.org or contact local ambassador Jenny Reynolds on 01837 861678.

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NOTICEBOARD

Fundraising vital to keep the teams going North Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team had their busiest year last year with 40 callouts and although the winter snow now seems a distant memory, this year looks to be just as busy for this team of highly skilled volunteers.

The team attracts candidates from all sorts of different walks of life, from doctors and policemen, to housewives and school teachers, all sharing a common passion for the outdoors and a desire to give something back to the community. Each member undergoes rigorous training covering all aspects of prehospital medical care, rope work, communication, navigation and also swiftwater rescue, to enable river searches which is particularly important with the growing issue of flooding.

The team responds to requests from the emergency services to assist in areas where their skills and experience help in a wide variety of incidents. The common view is of mountain rescue

teams plucking lost or injured climbers and walkers from the hillside in extremes of weather; while we do this as our primary function, we are so much more than just mountains.

In the last year, callouts have ranged from digging snowbound motorists out of their cars, to searching for missing despondent people in Exeter City centre, or combing rural areas for people who may have dementia.

All these incidents accrue into thousands of man hours annually, delivered free of charge to those in their greatest moment of need. But all this is only possible through the generous donations of the public who support us. The group needs to raise around £20,000 to maintain its current level of service. If you would like to find out more about the team’s work and how you could contribute then please check the website www.ndsart.org.uk/ or keep up NDSRT’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ndsart

FORCE funds chemotherapy in Okehampton Chemotherapy for cancer patients is available in Okehampton for the first time, thanks to funding from FORCE Cancer Charity.

FORCE set aside money from a legacy to pay for the weekly service at Okehampton Hospital every Wednesday, when the charity also offers support and information sessions at Castle Ham Lodge.

The legacy money funds specialist nurses from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital to administer some of the more straightforward treatments to patients, saving them the journey to the hospital’s Wonford site in Exeter whenever possible.

Easier parking Quieter location and treatment area Reduced waiting time on the day for chemotherapy treatment Experienced oncology staff from the hospital to deliver chemo Access to additional FORCE services to support you and your family Not all cancer patients are eligible to receive chemotherapy outside the RD&E’s main site. Consultants and chemotherapy nurses discuss with patients and families whether they are suitable for community-based treatment.

FORCE is spending £160,000 on three years worth of funding for two full-time chemotherapy nurses, who work in Exeter for part of the week and in FORCE’s outreach locations for the remaining days.

All of FORCE’s services are free of charge. FORCE receives no Government or NHS funding and needs to raise £1.5million every year to maintain the services it offers. That money comes entirely from voluntary contributions.

The benefits to patients include: Treatment closer to home, less travelling time and expense

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

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NOTICEBOARD

Reach for the skies!

One of the RAF Air Cadet’s main aims is to promote a practical interest in aviation and the RAF. In the 100th year of the RAF, Okehampton Squadron are hoping to raise enough funds to purchase a flight simulator that can be used to teach cadets the principles of flight. Not only for cadets’ use, the simulator would be available for public use at many of the local events the cadets attend in support of the community.

The cadets and staff from 2443 (Okehampton) RAF Air Cadets have aptly named their ambitious project from the film of the same name depicting the legendary RAF pilot Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader.

Flying and gliding can be expensive and while the RAF Air Cadets do get opportunities to fly in gliders and powered aircraft each year, the addition of a simulator will greatly enhance the flying experience and allow many more young people to have a go, either as a cadet or at local events.

Over the years, the RAF Air Cadets do have a proven track record in helping young people achieve a flying career.

Squadron Leader Andy Oliver RAFAC said: ‘Over the years my team and I have helped kick-start flying careers for many young people both here and at my previous unit in Newton Abbot.

‘I recently had a letter out of the blue from a very proud parent of an ex-cadet thanking me and my team following his son passing out as a pilot in the RAF. Letters such as that clearly showing how much we can have a positive impact on someone is what it is all about.’

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More recently, at Okehampton, Cadet Warrant Officer Matt Stoner is waiting to start pilot training for Easy Jet, having been successful in a lengthy and competitive process. Matt showed such determination that he was sponsored by the RAFA for the first part of his pilot training.

Young people from Okehampton and its Hamlets can join the RAF Air Cadets from the end of Year 7 going into Year 8; recruiting events are held on the first Monday of each month.

Cadets can learn the principles of flight and each year several lucky cadets fly in RAF training aircraft or gliders.

At age 16 some cadets can even train and take a solo glider flight.

The cadets are well on their way to raise the funds - but are not quite there. Their next big fund raising events are the climbing wall at Lydford Show (Safety on Dartmoor) on Saturday, July 14th and at Okehampton show on Thursday, August 9th.

Follow the Squadron on Facebook at 2443 Sqn Okehampton Air Training Corps or email oc.2443@aircadets.org

To promote your business to 23,536* readers - call 01822 615627

advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

NOTICEBOARD

Ranger team asks that you Love Moor Life My name is Simon Lee and I am the Ranger Team Manager for Dartmoor National Park.

The ranger team covers all 368 square miles of the National Park, 365 days of the year. As I write this, we are heading into the busiest time of the year on Dartmoor, when more people - locals and visitors alike - are heading out to enjoy this wonderful landscape.

We know that most people want to do the right thing to ensure their actions do not cause damage. But there are always those that don’t think about their actions and how they affect other people, wildlife and the environment. In order to try and influence people to do the right thing we have developed a campaign encouraging people to Love Moor Life and part of this is a new Ranger Code. We hope that this simple code will be easy to follow and that by doing it you will be helping us look after Dartmoor.

The new Ranger Code asks you to follow six simple steps to help us look after this special landscape and protect the wildlife and livestock on Dartmoor.

Don’t feed the ponies Keep your dog on a lead Close gates Bag up litter and take home Share roads and bridleways Camping: Use a campsite or check the website I hope that visitors and residents alike will help us with this campaign and I look forward to telling you how we are progressing in future issues of Oke Links.

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

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NOTICEBOARD

Learning for Living We all know English and maths skills are essential for everyday life and having a GCSE is important for many jobs.

Developing these skills will not only make life easier, they can help with job prospects and promotion or further training.

Photo credit Graham Hayward

Sunday trains from Okehampton Summer trains to and from Exeter from Okehampton have got off to a good start with Great Western [GWR] providing four return journeys, the first leaving at 0955 and arriving is Exeter Saint David’s at 10.35. This gives excellent onward connections for passengers wanting a day at the seaside, with Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay and Paignton to choose from!

But this service should not just be seen as ‘Sunday shopper’ or ‘day out to the sea’ it is much more, connecting Okehampton to the national and international rail network. On our first train we had passengers outbound for Milan, Italy and inbound from Launceston, Tasmania to Launceston, Cornwall.

The importance of our trains has been recognised by senior managers at GWR who have personally intervened to ensure we have train crews for each service over the summer. This is an excellent example of partnership working between Great Western and the local community through OkeRail and Dartmoor Railway, who are the current leaseholders.

Learn Devon’s range of English and maths courses will help you: Improve reading, writing, grammar and communication skills Understand maths from the very basics to decimals, fractions and percentages Gain a qualification Support children with homework Whether you are starting with the basics or you would like to build confidence before starting a GCSE, Learn Devon will have a course for you and will help you select the right one.

GCSE courses start in September, but other English and Maths courses run throughout the year.

Learn Devon’s specialist tutors are experienced in teaching adult learners. Classes are small and learners have access to several teaching aids and support structures.

To find out more, visit www.learndevon.co.uk , call 0345 155 1014 or email learndevon@devon.gov.uk

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Okehampton Town Station is central to the success of this service and the re-introduction of the 7 day a week service, it is hoped sometime in 2019. In a recent questionnaire survey with passengers on the Royal Oke II it was found that 97.4% of those responding favoured the new trial service to run to Okehampton Town Station.

There are clearly two distinct markets for any new rail service, inbound tourists and residents in the west of the town using the existing station, and commuters from the east, North Cornwall and West Devon going to Exeter using Okehampton Parkway. Would we really want to welcome tourists to an bus shelter platform on an industrial estate, when they could enjoy the excellent facilities provide by Dartmoor Railway at Okehampton Town?

Working with our partners, GWR and Dartmoor Railway, OkeRail hopes to provide two more express passenger trains in September and November; destination details from OkeRail at www.okerail.2day.uk

To promote your business to 23,536* readers - call 01822 615627

Dr Michael Ireland OkeRail advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

KIDS WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS THIS JULY AND AUGUST 7 - 22 JULY

28 JULY

OKEHAMPTON SPORTS AND FITNESS FESTIVAL

MINI RAFT MAKING

Masses of opportunities to get the children involved in all types of sports and activities. See Sports News for more information.

23 JULY - 8 SEPTEMBER OKEHAMPTON LIBRARY ACTIVITIES Children under 8 must be accompanied to all library events by a responsible adult Treasure Hunt - Find the Mischief Makers characters hidden in Okehampton Library to be entered into the ‘Beano’ prize draw.

Free. Guess how many marbles in the jar – Nearest guess drawn on September 8th wins the marbles. 20p a go. Make a Beano character – come and make your own Beano character, different character to collect each week, materials provided at the library – 20p per character.

14 JULY MAKING GAMES WORKSHOP At Okehampton Library - A Learn Devon family workshop to make games including pairs and picture dominoes. For children aged 4-11 and their carers. 10am until 12.30pm. Free - booking essential.

23 JULY - 31 AUGUST

At Lydford Gorge. Make your own mini raft with the help of the ranger team then launch it on the River Lyd. 10.30am until 1.30pm. £2 per person, booking advisable.

1 AUGUST SLAPSTOCK COMEDY WORKSHOP At Okehampton Library, with Rob Pudner from Entertainingly Different. Lots of family fun for adults and children, with refreshments during an interval and a finale of stories and poems. 2pm until 3.30pm. Tickets £2.50 per child. Booking essential

dramatic adventure with an emphasis on storytelling, expressive movement and physical theatre. Through a variety of drama based skills and specially developed games and activities, this three day course at South Zeal will explore stories of the River Taw and culminate in a workshop-style performance on the final afternoon for friends and family and a public performance at the Dartmoor Folk Festival on August 12th. £35 per child.

For more information and to book your child’s place contact fireshowarts@ gmail.com or Sarah on 01837849185.

15 AUGUST PREHISTORIC PAINTING

1 AUGUST MAGIC MARTIN Martin is now recognised as the UK’s number one family entertainer. See this wonderful family show at RHS Rosemoor at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. www.rhs. org/gardens/events

1 AUGUST PLAY DAY Castle Drogo will be hosting an afternoon of fun and games on Piddledown Common as part of the national day for play. 2pm until 4pm.

A-Z OF THE MUSEUM

6 AUGUST

At The Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton. Children will get a trail booklet with each letter being an object in the museum that they will need to track down and tick off. The museum operates a system whereby paying once allows visitors to an annual card giving them free admission for the rest of the year, so families will be able to come back as many times as they like to complete the trail.

BEANO CRAFT Mischief Makers Craft activity at Okehampton Library, between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. For children aged 5+. £1 per child, no booking necessary.

At Lydford Gorge. Make your own natural paints and brushes to create a work of art or just get messy. 1pm - 3pm.

16 AUGUST PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP Learn Devon family workshop to make glove puppets and stick puppets. At Okehampton Library from 10am until 12.30pm. For children aged 4-11 and their carers. Free - booking essential.

21 AUGUST MAKING GIFTS WORKSHOP Learn Devon family workshop to make Beano themed gifts including bookmarks and greetings cards. At Okehampton Library at 1.30pm until 6pm, for children aged four to 11 and their carers. Free booking essential.

29 AUGUST

6 - 8 AUGUST

CAPTAIN COCONUT

TAW TALES YOUTH THEATRE WORKSHOPS

Captain Coconut brings his amazing Bubble Show to RHS Rosemoor. Face painting for everyone with Devon Face painting too. Shows at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm. www.rhs.org/gardens/events

Join skilled and dynamic expressive arts practitioner Rob Pudner and arts charity Sticklepath Fireshow for a

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

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION

From a dragon’s nest to grandparents’ day...

It’s been a busy year at North Tawton Primary School!

To say my year as head of North Tawton has been a whirlwind is rather understating matters. Since taking up the post of interim headteacher back in September it has been non-stop activity at the school.

Most importantly North Tawton Primary became a founding member of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust in January 2018. This was a significant step and I’m sure that it will have a positive impact for the children as they move through the school in the coming years. Already we can see the benefits of working collaboratively with others within the MAT and the opportunities for staff and children will continue to develop.

The children and staff have worked incredibly hard this year and the impact of this is being seen by the standards in the children’s work. We’ve had a real focus on improving writing and it’s clear that the volume of writing the children have completed is really paying off in the improvements in the quality of their work. Teachers have provided a wide variety of writing opportunities and encouraged the children to be as creative as possible. This was exemplified in the spring term when we had a creative writing day. The children arrived at school to find a mysterious looking nest on the field and what appeared to be dragon’s eggs. This coupled with a short video clip (which was sent anonymously to the in-boxes of the teachers) of a dragon-like creature flying above North Tawton had the children coming up with all kinds of theories and producing some amazing pieces of writing.

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To be a good writer, you also need to be a good reader and getting children reading more and trying different books has been another development area. A high number of children took part in our Christmas Reading Challenge and this was followed up by an extreme reading competition during the spring half term. Children were challenged to ‘get caught reading’ in unusual places. Again, we were overwhelmed by how many children and staff took up the challenge and everyone was avidly checking as each new picture was added to the display.

Another focus has been on improving vocabulary. Over Easter the pupils were encouraged to find a new word for each day of the holidays. There were a huge variety of fantastic and often very unusual words shared when we returned at the start of the summer term. The children have been trying to use them in their work and become word detectives. This was further enriched when the author Kevin Payne visited the school to work with the children on improving their writing by making good word choices.

Although mastering literacy and numeracy skills will always be key, it has been lovely to see some of the wider opportunities being offered to the children. North Tawton has excellent music provision and the children benefit from specialist whole class music teaching each week. The highlight of the music year was the spring concert. All the children in school participated and it was a real celebration of musical talent.

Each class contributed along with various instrumentalists, singers and the school choir. The latter have had an amazing

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SCHOOL EDUCATION NEWS

year with many performances both in school and in the local community.

to everyone about his rise to sporting success.

success and enjoyed by all those who attended.

The sporting calendar has been equally busy. As is the tradition, North Tawton hosted the OCRA netball and football tournament back in the autumn term and since then children have taken part in events including cricket, gymnastics, cross country and tennis. Now the summer is finally upon us, the children are enjoying swimming lessons at the school’s own pool. We also recently welcomed the Paralympian Dave Hill to the school. He directed the children in some circuit training before talking

In the spring we held our inaugural Grandparents’ Day. With more parents working longer hours, grandparents are increasingly playing a key role in looking after our children. We thought it would be nice to invite our grandparents in to school. The children acted as guides and for some visitors it really was stepping back in time as they had attended the school as children themselves. The morning finished with some ideas on helping children with their reading and times tables and the choir sang a few songs too. The event was a great

It has been a great year at North Tawton and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I’m heading off for a new challenge in September as headteacher of Shebbear Community School. Miss Chauhan (who is currently deputy) will be taking over as head of the school and I’m sure it will continue to flourish and be a central part of the North Tawton community.

Nick Alford Headteacher

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SPORTS NEWS

7 July - 22 July

Okehampton Sports and Fitness Festival Last year over 4,000 people participated in Okehampton Sports and Fitness Festival - this year it is hoped even more will enjoy in its fun days, have-a-go sessions, competitions, challenges and offers.

There are more than 45 different events for children, adults of all ages and families and some great new ones for 2018.

The festival is organised by recreation charity OCRA working with clubs, individuals, Fusion and leisure facilities. It showcases what a great place Okehampton and the surrounding area is to be active.

From cycling to Tai Chi, dance to netball, walking football and netball, rounders to rugby, trampolining to seated exercise, archery to skateboarding, special needs events to basketball, martial arts to climbing, athletics to Oke Cokey sessions - the choice is huge so there’s a great chance to enjoy activities you like or to try something new.

The festival runs from July 7th with the South West Youth Games kicking off the event. The main family fun day is on

family guided canoe trips

July 22nd from 11am, based around the OCRA Pavilion. There is a fun run, climbing wall, trampolining and gymnastics, football and hockey tournaments, free swim, tennis, cycle ride, dance, fitness sessions, inflatables, food, music, haircuts and much more.You can get together with friends and family to enter as teams or individually in the very popular competitions.

Stuart Lord, OCRA manager, said: ‘Everyone is welcome to come along and get involved with sessions for all ages and abilities. Many are free or at greatly reduced prices, so it’s a great chance to try something new. We’d like to extend big thanks to funding from Okehampton United Charities, Okehampton town and hamlets councils, Devon county councillors, Fusion and local businesses.

‘We have a fantastic activity scene locally, thanks to all the clubs, groups, facilities and individuals who make this such a great festival.’

Download your free programme at www.ocrasport.org.uk like OCRA on facebook or pick one up OCRA Pavilion in the Park, Parklands, Donald’s and the library.

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SPORTS CLUB NEWS

North Tawton Badminton Club The club in its current form began running in around 1999/2000. Members started playing in North Tawton Town Hall and then had a spell using the sports hall at North Tawton Primary School — they are now back playing in the town hall.

Play takes place on Monday evenings at North Tawton Town Hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. The club doesn’t play in any league. A spokesperson for the badminton club said: ‘We play for fun although some games can get a bit competitive!

We welcome all levels of ability. We currently have about 14 members - but not everyone turns up every night - with an age range of 16 to 60.

current scoring method - not the old one - which also helps to shorten the length of games.’

New players are welcome - if you can bring your own racquet it would be helpful. There is no membership fee - sessions cost just £2.50 each.

‘There is only one court at the town hall so we tend to play doubles matches. We play one game up to 21 points, rather than the best of three as we only have the one court and it means people aren’t sitting out so long. We also use the

If you would like more information about North Tawton Badminton Club, please ring Marilyn on 01837 851269.

Roll Up! Founded in 1985, Moretonhampstead Bowls Club has its own club house and green at Moretonhampstead Sports Fields on North Bovey Road, Moretonhampstead TQ13 8NZ. Practices or ‘roll ups’ are on Thursdays at 6pm, with a chance for some helpful advice from the experienced players and a relaxed game. No special kit or clothing is required except for flat-soled footwear - a set of bowls can be borrowed.

So if you would like to have a go or wish to refresh your bowing skills, just turn up on a Thursday at 6pm from mid April to late September. Everyone is most welcome!

All the team matches are played as ‘friendlies’ and include tea and cakes supplied by the host club at the midway break. The grounds or ‘rinks’ are often in stunning locations on the coast or overlooking the moor – shared transport available.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Margaret Allin A cracking cook who loves to dance!

The summer is a particularly busy time for Okehampton’s Margaret Allin - a member of the all-ladies Morris dancing side Cogs and Wheels for 21 years, she has a packed programme of appearances throughout the season, every Thursday evening heading off to a variety of venues throughout the area.

She still does a day a week at the Victorian Pantry Tea Rooms in Okehampton’s museum courtyard, the business she ran for 28 years, and if that wasn’t enough, she is one of the judges at Chagford Show, casting her expert eye over the jams, jellies, marmalades and pickles.

Margaret, 69, was born in Chagford and after leaving school, attended Torquay Technical College where she studied catering. She began her career at the Mill End Hotel in Chagford and worked there until the birth of her first son, Jeffery, in 1972. Jeffery was followed by William but hardworking Margaret never entirely left the catering world, working at Fingle Bridge and the Devonshire Inn - where she acquired her somewhat original nick-name Maggot, her real name proving too difficult to pronounce for one of the youngsters at the pub.

‘I used to do roast duck on the first Tuesday of the month - I think the most I ever did on one lunch was 41 - the tea room only seats 21, so it was very busy!’ said Margaret, who just loves to cook, whether it’s sweet treats or savouries. I’m sure one of her more famous guests, Keith Chegwin, would have appreciated her culinary skills, when he popped in during filming of a ‘Gotcha’ with Noel Edmonds.

‘I used to do a “Margaret Special” at lunchtime - that originated from our holiday in Sri Lanka where we went for our silver wedding anniversary - it was toast, ham, pineapple and melted cheese. They called it Hawaiian Paradise in Sri Lanka but I couldn’t see that working in Okehampton, so we stuck with a Margaret Special instead - it still goes down well!’

‘It’s not really something you want shouted across a kitchen but it just stuck!’ smiled Margaret.

Margaret got involved with Cogs and Wheels when she lived in South Zeal, having been told by friends she did ‘nothing but work’.

As I demolished the most delicious cheese scone I have ever tasted, I could see why the Victorian Pantry had been such a success for Margaret, who expanded the original menu and brought in new specials including her legendary strawberry pavlova.

‘I love doing it - it’s a lot of fun, they are lovely ladies! We go to folk festivals - my favourite one is Swanage, at the end of the season in September. It’s a lovely weekend when you get to meet lots of other dancers and see different styles of dancing.’

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LOCAL PEOPLE

She explained that Cogs and Wheels do Cotswold dancing which included the traditional hankies, sticks and bells. Their season starts at 5am on May Day morning when they dance at the Nine Maidens on Dartmoor, followed by a traditional English breakfast - cooked by Margaret!

The group will be appearing at the forthcoming Okehampton Show but the following week, at Chagford Show, Margaret will be leaving her bells and stick behind, when she gets down to the serious business of tasting those delicious jams and jellies.

‘I enjoy the judging - you can have a dozen strawberry jams but every one of them will be different. You have to consider the texture and the set - and the flavour of course - and then some are closed up straight away when you see an inch of fur on the top!’

Margaret’s personal favourite jam is apricot - and as an enthusiastic baker, she has a soft spot for her current favourite scone, a wholemeal date and walnut recipe.

the band for an incredible 57 years and Margaret has been the band’s chairman for the past four or five. The couple have enjoyed many excursions with the musicians including trips to Okehampton’s twin town of Wesseling.

With just a little bit more time to spare, Margaret and David love to spend time with their grandchildren as Jeff lives locally. Very sadly their younger son William died suddenly from a brain haemorrhage several years ago . They have been comforted by the fact that as an organ donor, he was able to others.

‘There’s a little bit of his mischief still around - he helped seven people, and we have had cards from two of them, saying what a big difference it made to their lives,’ said Margaret.

As I leave this lovely couple’s home the fantastic aroma of home baking follows me. I wonder who the next lucky recipient of her culinary skills will be?

Jane Honey

One of the recipients of her delicious bakes is Okehampton Excelsior Band - her husband David played euphonium with

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Lucy Nicolaysen A lady with a love of flavour!

We all hope this summer will be warm and sunny - but Chagford resident Lucy Nicolaysen will probably be keeping her fingers firmly crossed that the weather plays ball, as sunshine tends to get people thinking of a subject dear to her heart - ice cream!

Born in South Africa, educated in America, Lucy, 47, has lived in England for 17 years. A love of the outdoor life and a passion for horses brought her to Dartmoor, an area she adores and where she walks with her huge and very cuddly Newfoundland dog, Baloo.

Lucy originally wanted to set up an equine tourist business in the area but her love of cooking and her creative nature has led her down a completely different path. Determined to forge a new life in her adopted moorland town, she studied ice cream making in the land of the experts - Italy - and now sells her home-made creations in the heart of Chagford, along with cakes, brownies and local cheeses.

Lucy, who studied and taught music for many years before her big lifestyle change, said: ‘I have always loved making things I think I developed my love of cooking through my mother and my grandmother.

‘I learned a lot on the course in Italy, about the chemical make-up of ice cream, the logistics of making it, and what works in terms of textures but at the end of the day you

have to trust your own instincts and you really have to enjoy experiencing flavours.

‘I always make my chocolate ice cream in a certain way and with my vanilla, for example, I always add a little bit of honey because it rounds the vanilla out.

‘As far as texture is concerned you really want the ice cream to be creamy and light. Things like strawberry work extremely well but anything with a lot of roughage, like apples, are a real killer, the ice cream is terrible, it doesn’t freeze well and you have to strain it a lot.

‘I have made quince sorbet and ice cream - I have someone local who brings me quinces from his garden - that worked well and it was an unusual flavour.’

Lucy explained that ice cream had just four components - milk, cream, sugar and stabiliser, the latter being essential for professional quality ice cream as it binds the molecules closer together, enabling the product to be kept for longer. She buys organic milk and in the height of the summer can get through 120 litres a week, which she has delivered in 13.6 litre pergils.

She said she found experimenting with combinations of flavours fascinating - for example, the very precise balance of rosewater, pistachio and chocolate in her Turkish Delight ice cream could so easily go wrong if the proportions weren’t right.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

‘They spent a long time teaching us about proportions when I was in Bologna. It’s actually a very rewarding process, but one of the best things about it is that it’s incredibly rewarding to sell, because everybody smiles when they eat an ice cream!’ grinned Lucy.

‘I have a practical side and a very creative side and I think all the different things I have done, with the music, with the horses and dressage and with the ice cream, they all reflect this.’

January to help in the dairy, returning home to South Africa for the winter months.

When not making ice cream and brownies to sell in her shop, Lucy loves to ride her horse and walk Baloo on the moors. This busy lady is also coming to the end of a course in psychotherapy yet her next adventure is likely to be her greatest one yet - the birth of twin boys, at the beginning of June!

Jane Honey

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Pauline McCracken A love of water at any time of the year...

These days, not so many people venture into the sea or a river without a wetsuit - yet wild swimmer Pauline McCracken hasn’t worn one for years. And while this may be fair enough during the height of summer, Pauline would think nothing of stripping off and stepping into the briny or a particularly tempting stretch of Dartmoor river in the middle of January!

‘I have always liked to swim outdoors, before it got this “wild swimming” label,’ said Pauline. ‘I grew up as a pool swimmer and I have always recognised the mental as well as physical

benefits of swimming. When I was doing really long hours in a very high pressured job, I would always swim every morning and it completely set me up for the day. It’s distraction-free time and I’d bounce into the office afterwards!’

Pauline began swimming ever-longer distances and while taking part in the River Dart 10k event she met someone from her home county of Hampshire. They got talking and Pauline mentioned she had always fancied the thought of swimming around the Isle of Wight. It proved a prophetic conversation

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LOCAL PEOPLE

as some time later, Pauline and three other women became the first women’s relay team to successfully swim around the island, the 60-mile feat completed in 24 hours, seven minutes and 45 seconds.

‘It was epic - there’s something great about being part of a team, doing something really physically and mentally challenging. It’s good to push your boundaries, be out of your comfort zone - and that really was!’

Pauline moved to Chagford three years ago, opting for a complete lifestyle change when she became a freelance executive and leadership coach, plus recently completing a masters degree.

For a person that loves the outdoors, Chagford’s the ideal place to live. Pauline always has a towel and swimsuit in her bag when she’s on a long walk with her dog and her favourite places to swim are the unexpected ones, when she finds a beautiful spot on a river that she just can’t resist dipping into.

Pauline said she has learned to deal with the ‘cold water response’ when getting into really chilly waters by getting out after about 30 seconds - then getting in again. Apparently it feels much less cold that way!

She finds it hard to choose between sea and fresh water - but said possibly river swimming had the edge.

‘I have had some really extraordinary experiences with wildlife in rivers that you just don’t get in the sea. Birds particularly just don’t seem to know you are there - I had this wonderful moment once when I was floating down river with my brother and a kingfisher landed on a branch just in front of us and we just floated underneath it.’

And of course, Chagford also has that most wonderful of facilities - its open air swimming pool, where Pauline lends an enthusiastic helping hand.

‘Chagford Pool is an amazing facility. It’s entirely run by volunteers, every year we have to fundraise just to open the

doors. It’s one of very few river-fed open air pools and it’s amazing, you can be swimming up and down with swallows dipping into the water and cows in the fields surrounding you.’

A member of Devon’s wild swimming fraternity, Pauline said it was great to meet and socialise with like-minded people whose love of water bound them in quite a unique way.

‘There’s something completely delightful about getting into cold water at any time of the year - it makes you feel so alive and puts everything else into proportion somehow,’ Pauline explained. ‘There’s a camaraderie in the outdoor swimming community that’s amazing. I have never met a nasty outdoor swimmer, they just seem to be nice, generous, kind-hearted people. As adults we don’t really play very much - it’s so much fun to just play around in a wonderful, natural environment and there’s always cake! Anything that’s outdoors and involves cake has to be good!’

Pauline’s other watery passion is sailing - she has raced dinghies and yachts all over the world to a high standard, sailing for England in the Commodore’s Cup. She and her partner are hoping to make more use of the sailing facilities at Roadford once his current posting with the Royal Navy finishes.

Meanwhile, she is anticipating a glorious summer of outdoor pursuits, as she said: ‘I think I am incredibly privileged and lucky to live in such a wonderful part of the world and to have such amazing nature right on our doorstep.’

Jane Honey

23

CHARITY FOCUS

Okement Rivers Improvement Group A small charity making a big difference to Okehampton Okehampton is extraordinarily lucky to have the confluence of two rivers, the East Okement and West Okement, at its heart and since 2000 the volunteers involved in a small charity have been working hard to keep the waters and their surroundings as beautiful as possible for residents and visitors alike.

The Okement Rivers Improvement Group (ORIG) came about after the town’s mayor, Christine Marsh, appealed for volunteers to help clean up the town’s waterways. The response to the call for action was enthusiastic; a skip was hired and incredibly was filled to the brim within hours with all manner of rubbish, ranging from supermarket trollies to cookers, bikes, batteries, signs, motor parts, tin cans and bottles.

The positive response by townspeople led to the formal creation of the group, which meets on the last Saturday of every month to clear rubbish from the rivers, litter from the banks and undergrowth from the riverside walks throughout the town.

that people have a pride in the town and want to keep such a wonderful, natural feature looking fantastic,’ said Christine, who is still a very active member of the group.

Once registered as a charity, ORIG was able to apply for grant funding to organise projects, which it has carried out with great success in the following years. The first was the construction of the Pig Bridge and footpath adjacent to the Millennium Woods. The steep land on the south bank of the East Okement was inaccessible due to the lack of a bridge - ORIG volunteers reinstated the bridge and constructed a footpath through the hay meadow in Simmons Park, along with an interpretation board.

In 2005, two unusual Y-shaped wooden benches were commissioned by ORIG and placed near the mill site and near Okehampton Castle. The town’s history and environment are illustrated by carvings on the cedar benches, their shape reflecting the confluence of the East and West Okement rivers.

One of the major projects undertaken by ORIG has been the repair of the weir at West Bridge, where a huge amount of ‘I never dreamed it would take off like it did, but it’s lovely undergrowth and vegetation was cleared and restoration of the leat took place. The two year project OKEHAMPTON TOWN cost around £20,000 and took some COUNCILLOR SURGERY two years to complete, including the Regular Councillor Surgeries in the Town Hall on the third Thursday of the month, installation of artwork - a small statue of except in August and December, between 10am and 12noon. Residents are welcome to a little boy fishing, made by Alan Biggs come along and chat to one of the Councillors about any issues or concerns they have, of Belstone. Ancient steps were also or perhaps to find out what being a Town Councillor entails. unearthed during the works, dating from Surgery dates for 2018 are: the time of a small passenger ferry used Thurs 19th July • Thurs 20th September • Thurs 18th October • Thurs 15th November in the 1800s, before the bridge was built.

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Okehampton Town Council Town Hall, Fore Street, Okehampton EX20 1AA 01837 53179 • townclerk@okehampton.gov.uk www.okehampton.gov.uk

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Christine said: ‘After the weir, we tackled the area behind Lidl. After we cleared it back, we put in a viewing platform, benches and planted some trees to soften

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CHARITY FOCUS the outlook. The last piece of Y-shaped cedar, which we got from Tom Hills, was made into a table for the disabled.’

The group also commissioned a piece of artwork of a deer and fawn, sadly, this was damaged by vandals, but it has since been repaired and replaced in Simmons Park.

In 2013 ORIG worked on the creation of a footpath through Clapp’s Wood, enabling people living at the western end of town to walk off road towards the primary school. Huge amounts of laurel and vegetation were removed with the group being helped once again by local businessman Ross Campbell with his JCB. ‘I can’t thank him enough for the support he has given us over the years,’ said Christine. ‘It’s now a lovely, natural wildlife area, a beautiful path for people to enjoy.’

In addition to these larger projects, ORIG volunteers have cleared vegetation to reveal a historic watering trough in New Road, installed an interpretation board and Heritage Trail including a cell door from the old town workhouse and re-sited an ancient iron kissing gate used by walkers at the Old Town Park. A new wheelchair and pushchair friendly gate has been positioned in the original site. The granite steps were also removed and installed opposite the gate to create a set of seats. Regular coppicing takes place and vegetation around paths is kept down.

The rivers themselves have provided a few shocks over the years - ORIG volunteers are used to hauling supermarket trollies out of the water, but on one occasion a piranha fish (dead, thankfully!) was discovered. And on another occasion, a six foot long boa constrictor was also found (also dead!)

Summer time should see an influx of visitors to Okehampton and thanks to the efforts of the rivers’ improvement group, the finger posts have been spruced up and two new interpretation boards installed.

Volunteers are always very welcome to join ORIG at their regular clean up days: for more information find Okement Rivers Improvement Group on Facebook, call 01837 53114 or text 07881802055.

Jane Honey

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HEALTH & WELLBEING BEAUTY

Healthy eating and exercise Dr Emma Chapman explains how a healthy diet may help to prevent certain long-term (chronic) diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It may also help to reduce your risk of developing some cancers and maintain a healthy weight.

What makes up a healthy diet?

Your body needs energy to work normally and keep you alive.

You obtain this energy from nutrients in the food that you eat - mostly, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Minerals and vitamins are other nutrients that are also important in your diet to help your body stay healthy.

It is important to find the right balance between these different nutrients to achieve maximum health benefits.

A balanced diet generally contains food from each of the following food groups: Starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, etc.

Fruit and vegetables.

Milk and dairy foods.

Protein foods. These include meat, fish, eggs and other non-

dairy sources of protein (including nuts, tofu, beans, pulses, etc).

Fatty and sugary foods are the fifth food group that you eat.

However, only a small amount of what you eat should be made up from fatty and sugary foods. In addition to the above, having plenty of fibre and water in your diet is also important for your health.

Don’t have too many sugary foods and drinks Sugary foods and drinks are high in calories and too much may cause weight gain. It isn’t just the amount of sugar that may be bad. Even eating small amounts of sugary foods (sweets, etc) too often is bad for teeth.

Don’t eat too much salt Too much salt increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. Guidelines recommend that we should have no

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HEALTH HEALTH & WELLBEING & BEAUTY

more than 6g of salt per day. If you are used to a lot of salt, try gradually to reduce the amount that you have. Your taste for salt will eventually change.

Don’t forget portion sizes You need to keep an eye on your portion sizes because if they are too large, you will still gain weight. Deliberately try to take smaller portions when you have a meal. Do not feel that you have to empty your plate. Perhaps change the plates that you have in your cupboard - which may be large - to more medium-sized plates. In this way you will naturally serve up smaller portions.

Fill up on fruit and vegetables. Ask for a smaller portion when eating out or ordering a takeaway.

Think about what you are drinking Many drinks, including alcoholic and many non-alcoholic drinks, contain calories. Think about what you are drinking and try to go for low calorie and sugar free.

Physical activity for health Doing regular physical activity can make you feel good about yourself and it can have a number of benefits for your

health. For example, it reduces the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, some cancers, type 2 diabetes and ‘thinning’ of the bones (osteoporosis). Regular physical activity also helps to control weight and may help to ease stress. Ideally, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderateintensity physical activity on at least five days of the week. You should also aim to do a minimum of two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week, although these should not be on consecutive days.

What is physical activity?

It can include: Everyday activities like, walking or cycling to work or school, doing housework, gardening, DIY around the house, or any active or manual work that you may do as part of your job.

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Active recreational activities such as dancing, active play amongst children, or walking or cycling for recreation.

Sport, for example, exercise and fitness training at a gym or during an exercise class, swimming and competitive sports such as football, rugby and tennis, etc.

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HEALTH HEALTH & WELLBEING & BEAUTY

What is Nordic walking?

Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking that ensures the whole body shares the work-load and in so doing, benefits from every step. It is like walking in 4 wheel drive!

It was originally developed from the summer training regime of the cross-country skiers and uses specially designed poles.

Unlike walking with trekking or walking poles, the Nordic Walking technique uses the poles for propelling you forward.

This then engages the upper body and overall uses up to 90% of the body’s muscles, therefore using more energy and burning more calories - up to 45% more.

Obesity - poles makes walking feel easier and allow you to be able to walk further.

It can be used as an endurance exercise, LIIS - Low Intensity Steady State, as we do on our one-and-a-half to two hour walks, or can be a HIIT- High Intensity Interval Training exercise, as in hill repetitions, which as you can imagine, are quite easy to achieve on Dartmoor! Or of course, it can be used to just enhance a regular walk, as I do with Dartmoor Nordic Walking, learning new walks on the moors and in the countryside with the dog.

In order to achieve the full benefit of Nordic Pole Walking you do need to learn the technique,it is not the same as walking with trekking poles. You can join one of Dartmoor Nordic Walking’s courses which take place over two Saturdays, usually in Okehampton between noon and 1.30pm. It is a progressive technique so you would need to be able to attend both sessions. However, you could always have a one-to-one session at a time and place to suit you, or, if you have a few friends who would like to learn with you, you could arrange a private booking. Poles are always included for these sessions.

For regular walks, you can hire poles.

If you are going to walk, why not feel the power of those Nordic Walking poles, turning your walk into a workout?

Nordic Walking is a very accessible activity and suitable for people of different fitness levels and those who may not have exercised for a while.

What are the benefits of Nordic Walking?

• • •

Correct body alignment and posture Increased blood circulation and metabolism Suitable for all, irrespective of age, sex or physical condition • It takes pressure off the joints • Decreases neck and shoulder tension • Feels easier than ordinary walking • Psychological benefits • Benefits for health: Joint, bone and muscular conditions - due to the load being spread over the whole body, it’s good for arthritis, osteoporosis, joint replacement and painful joints.

Mental health - just being outside is a benefit in itself.

It is an outdoor activity - once the poles have been bought and the technique learnt it can be practiced any where, at any time, on your own or in sociable groups.

Once you have learnt the technique, you can come and join us on any of the regular walks on Dartmoor around Okehampton, Chagford and in Tavistock too.

Details of the regular walks are on the website www. dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk. We also have a Facebook page, Dartmoor Nordic Walking, so you can see what we are up to.

If you would like to buy poles, a ruck sack, water bottles or kit for your walks, we are setting up a new store in Chagford with ‘Moorland Paws’.

Denise Horner 07944 630677 Email denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk

Cardiovascular and circulatory conditions - because of increase in oxygen consumption and heart rate and feeling easier than walking without poles, it’s ideal for those with high blood pressure.

Breathing related conditions - for example if you have asthma or COPD, Nordic walking helps reduce breathlessness, using the poles and upright stance helps to open up the chest.

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

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GARDENING

Avoiding the late summer garden ‘doldrums’ Careful plant choice and deadheading will pay dividends!

Richard Wilson

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’

Maintaining a late summer garden full of blooms and interest can seem like a tricky proposal. Avoiding a sea of green spring flowering shrubs and seeding herbaceous perennials and creating a ‘flower bomb’ of colour can be achieved by prudent plant choice, employing a handful of ultra-reliable, perennial horticultural workhorses that will keep flowering their hearts out all summer long. This, coupled with regular, simple maintenance and planning could be the key.

Maintaining a good, regular deadheading routine is a great start, this directs energy into stronger growth and more flowers, as seed heads, pods and capsules are formed at the expense of flower development. I find it quite a therapeutic

exercise, it also gives you the time to look for any pests and diseases. Note what is struggling and make mental notes on any changes you may want to make in the future. Maintaining and bolstering stakes and supports is important, whether it’s simple canes and string or the more ornamental metal structures.

If you took Sally’s advice in the last article and had a go at the ‘Chelsea Chop’, then now is the time where you will reap the rewards, with the delayed flowering coming to the fore.

Here is my list of reliable, late flowering plants, ideal for pollinators to perhaps add to your beds and borders. They have all been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, which is a good indicator of which plants are best for all-round garden value.

Coneflower: Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ AGM and R. fulgida var. deamii AGM, a tough, flexible herbaceous perennial providing black-eyed bright yellow daisies to seven centimetres in width from late summer to mid-autumn.

Sunflower: Helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’ AGM is a reliable, strong growing perennial to two metres tall, so if you have the space it provides a wonderful backdrop to a border with coarse, dark green foliage and abundant light yellow flowers, five centimetres wide.

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’

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Argentinian Vervain: Verbena bonariensis AGM, a tall perennial with erect, branching stems to two metres in height,

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GARDENING

Pruning Wisteria July 2017 Photo Credits: RHS/Sheila Dearing

Dahlia ‘Moonfire’

bearing numerous branched clusters of small, purple flowers from summer to autumn. This looks great dotted throughout a planting plan and I have seen it used as a mass planted screen to a seating area. If you prefer a smaller, but equally lovely version, Verbena rigida AGM is a tuberous perennial to 60 centimetres, with oblong leaves and clusters of fragrant, bright purple flowers.

Dahlias are invaluable for the summer border, often flowering until the first frosts. Two of our favourites here at Rosemoor are: Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ AGM, an herbaceous perennial to one metre in height, with deep blackish-red foliage and semi-double brilliant red flowers six centimetres in width.

Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ AGM is a dwarf bedding dahlia to 60 centimetres, with bronze foliage and single yellow flowers,

As a contrast to the colourful summer flowers we often use grasses and bamboo to great effect, one example of this is kamuro-zasa: Pleioblastus viridistriatus AGM, a small bamboo, forming a compact colony of erect, purplish-green canes, with narrow, golden and green striped leaves up to 20 centimetres in length which glow in the sunlight.

containers in a shady spot will help.

Utilising one of the many auto watering systems available on the market is another option.

Also, well worth trying is switch grass: Panicum virgatum ‘Rehbraun’ with its upright mid-green leaves which turn a striking rich reddish-purple in autumn, perfect for providing vertical interest in a sunny, well drained perennial border.

Summer prune Wisteria, tie in side shoots to fill gaps or replace older branches, then cut back the remaining shoots to five or six buds.

Mid to late summer jobs to consider Keep abreast of watering, morning and evening being the best times.

Holidays can be a dilemma, utilising a friendly neighbour, watering well prior to departure and placing pots and

Tidy and cut back any early summer perennials that have finished flowering and collapsed.

Tie in and support tall late-summer perennials to stop them flopping over.

Top up ponds, water features and birdbaths in hot weather.

Give any overhanging deciduous hedges a trim.

Mow the lawn at least once a week, raising the blades if the weather is hot and dry to stop the grass turning brown.

Richard Wilson Horticulturist

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All included with normal garden admission which is free for RHS members. For tickets and promotions rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH Tel 01805 626810 RHS Reg Charity No. 222879 / SC038262

FARMING DIARY

Changes in the agricultural way of life Farmer Stuart Luxton takes time to reflect...

I heard a really nice story the other day about a farmer who won the lottery.

When he was asked what he was going to do with the money, he replied: ‘I am going to keep farming until it’s all gone!’

I know that it is only a joke, but in some ways it rings very true. In a break from my usual news from the farm I thought I would write about how I feel farming has changed in my lifetime. I never thought I would be thinking about such things, as I still think of myself as a young farmer.

Growing up, I always remember harvest time - whether it was hay harvest, silage, straw, shearing the sheep or cutting the wheat with the binder for thatching reed. The part that I remember the most was the meals. Mum would drive to where the men were working, with me and my sisters in the car and a boot full of food for them all. There were always a lot of men too, neighbours mainly, that all helped each other - we would then help in return when they had harvesting to do.

Farms were smaller then and people in farming communities had more time to help each other. Now with larger farms it’s usually one or two men in very large, very expensive tractors or harvesters driving for as many hours as possible in a day, trying to beat the weather. The social aspect has diminished and with it all the camaraderie. Unfortunately, this means that farming can be a very lonely business.

The record keeping and paperwork issue, as with most businesses, has

become all important. When I was young I remember my dad often worked late out in the fields or in the winter was in the workshop fixing something. Now my time in the evenings is often spent filling in forms, working on the internet registering animals or just doing general paperwork. If I had a choice I would definitely be out getting my hands dirty not working with a pen and paper.

I was speaking to Dad the other day and he was telling me how in the late 1970s, he borrowed money to buy land and managed to pay for the land in two years! Now, if I wanted to buy land, it would be very difficult to repay the loan in 20 years - good land can cost up to £10,000 per acre. A good farmer would realistically make between £200 and £300 per acre per year. The same can be said of machinery - when you speak to other farmers, the most common gripe is that everything has got so expensive.

Many farming businesses now are running an additional business to supplement the farm income. It is called diversification. This is what we decided to do about 15 years ago with Farmer Luxton’s. I don’t regret it for a minute, but running two businesses does provide a certain amount of extra pressure at times.

The expectations of the modern world also don’t seem to fit with running a farm very well at times. When we were young, sport and activities were something that happened when children were at school. Now if children want to play sport someone needs to run them

around on Saturday and Sunday. I’m not sure that the people drawing up fixture lists take lambing season and calving into account.

In short, while I still love farming, life seemed much simpler in years gone by - having said that, I am sure people in every profession would say the same.

Stuart Luxton

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WHAT’S ON

REGULARS OKEHAMPTON SATURDAY MARKETS A small but vibrant little market with between eight and 17 stalls. All are local traders investing their time and money into something new for the town with stalls funded kindly by Angus McPhie. The Saturday market is a joint venture between One Okehampton, Okehampton Chamber of Trade and Red Lion Yard. Different stalls most weeks and a larger farmers’ section on the third Saturday of each month. Thinking of having a stall? Contact okemarket@outlook.com or call Michelle on 01837 659158.

SUNDAY WORKSHOPS IN OKEHAMPTON One Okehampton are running free workshops for adults and children at their weekly Sunday Markets in the Charter Hall,10.30am to 2.30pm. So far they have had rock painting, past necklace making, sewing, hair bow making and 3d printing as well as the regular papercrafts and colouring. The community market offers free stalls for local groups and charities and charges £5 for others or £2 if you want to bring along a suitcase! Sellers include artisan makers, hobbyists and those having a clear out! Refreshments are by donation.

On a sunny day stalls are also welcome outside. Contact Rebecca 07398 720015 or see the Facebook page Okehampton Sunday Market.

EVERY SECOND MONDAY, 7PM & EVERY SECOND FRIDAY AT 1PM CAKE CLUB A little bit of time for yourself where you bake something yummy with different themes each month and get together with other foodies to share your culinary creations, recipes and have fun. Any age and ability are welcome. Venue is the Plume of Feathers, Okehampton. Contact Rebecca 07398 720015 or see the One Okehampton Facebook page.

LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH OKEY FOLKY FOLK SESSIONS At the Plume of Feathers in Okehampton.

Singers, musicians, poets, step dancers and audience all welcome! The fun starts at 8pm. For more information call Debbie Jessop, 07773 479375.

JULY UNTIL 22 JULY ROSE FESTIVAL A five-week-long Rose Festival held at RHS Rosemoor: a breath-taking showcase of colours and scents. Rosemoor is home to two dedicated rose gardens, bringing together over 2,000 roses across more than 200 different varieties and a wealth of hues and perfumes. From cottage garden climbers, to bright and beautiful container varieties, there will be a rose to inspire and suit all gardens. The festival includes a display of 100 red ceramic poppies,

interpreted and designed by popular local artist Renée Kilburn to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War. 4 JULY TEA AND TALK A talk entitled ‘The Gunn Mineral Water Factory’ will take place at the Museum of Dartmoor Life at 2pm. Entrance £4, to include refreshments.

7 JULY OPEN AIR FILM NIGHT Hosted by Open Air Film & Chill Okehampton at The Pavilion in the Park.

The Pavilion will be open for drinks and refreshments on the night.

8 JULY SUPER SPORTING SUNDAY The hugely popular Super Sporting Sunday is back in Okehampton with lots of great sports and activities to try for all the family including: Fun run, swimming, gymnastics, trampolining, tennis, football, hockey, climbing, fitness sessions, inflatables and much more. Starts Sports & Fitness Festival – over 40 different events for all ages across the area 8 JULY BELSTONE VILLAGE FAIR Opens at 2pm, with all the usual stalls and more, plus Cosdon Run, dog races, egg throwing competition, children’s sports, dancers from the OCRA Dance Project, Bondleigh Barn Band and archery.

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WHAT’S ON 8 JULY SCYTHING FOR BEGINNERS Learn the traditional and wonderful skill of using a scythe on this handson practical course organised by the Harvest Workers’ Co-op, Okehampton. No experience needed, suitable for anyone interested in using a scythe to manage green spaces. £25/15. 2pm until 6pm at Hilltown Organics, Northlew Rd. Transport available. 01837 318050.

8 JULY WALKING THE WAY A shared walk beginning and ending at Batworthy Corner, near Kes Tor, with time for conversation, quiet reflection and ending with tea and cake. Dogs on leads welcome. Waterproofs and wellies/boots recommended. For more information go email whiddonparishes@hotmail.com 11 JULY LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Talk by Dr Janet Few, historian and author, Cosdon Room, Ockment Centre, 10am12pm. Using local examples, Janet will bring family and local history together, focussing on people, their relationships to their communities and to each other.

This is aimed at anyone interested in the history of a particular community, be it a parish, town, hamlet or a single street. £2 charge to cover room hire and refreshments, including home-made cakes!

To book a place or for further details, please contact Val or Roger Bachelor on

01837 658791 or by email valrogbac81@ gmail.com.

Admission £2 per person children free.

Dogs welcome on leads.

11 JULY OKEHAMPTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Meeting at the Ockment Centre in Okehampton at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Mike Jeffery, who will give a talk about Devon mills.

14 JULY LYDFORD SUMMER FAIR & SAFETY ON DARTMOOR DAY See What’s On Extra for more information.

13 JULY WINE TASTING Flavours of the wine world evening at Lewtrenchard Hotel including canapés and fizz, tastings, four course dinner. £75 per person. Call Lewtrenchard on 01566783222 for more information.

14 JULY SHOE MAKING WORKSHOP All the support, tuition and materials you need to make a stylish, durable pair of boots or shoes during this one day event at Green Shoes in Moretonhampstead.

See www.greenshoes.co.uk for more information or to book.

14 JULY COFFEE MORNING Enjoy coffee and refreshments to raise money for Hospiscare, between 10am and noon at Endecott House, Chagford.

15 JULY SHILLINGFORD ORGANICS VISIT Come and visit Shillingford Organics in the height of the season where you’ll be able to see a range of vegetable crops inside the no-dig polytunnels and out in the field.

Transport available. £5/3. 2pm until 5pm at Shillingford Oorganics, Shillingford Abbot, Exeter. Organised by the Harvest Workers’ Co-operative, 01837 318050.

18 JULY ART EXHIBITION Okehampton Primary School art exhibition entitled ‘From Hedgerows to Rainforests - The Plight of the Endangered’ opens for the duration of the summer holidays at The Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton.

20 & 21 JULY CHAGSTOCK The fabulous family friendly music festival.

See Music and Art for more information.

14 JULY OPEN GARDEN Ockment Centre Open Garden in aid of Hospicare. 10.30am to 4.30pm. Cream teas, plant stall, cake stall and raffle.

ES OF

NTUR THE ADVE

S E M L O H K OC

e SHERoL erformanc P e r t a e h or T Outd

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WHAT’S ON 21 JULY THE RANCHEROS The Rancheros return to The Plough at Torrington for a night of authentic harmonica and sax driven rhythm‘n’blues. The show begins at 8.30pm. Box office 01805 624624.

21 JULY COFFEE MORNING Enjoy coffee and refreshments to raise money for The Children’s Hospice South West, between 10am and noon at Endecott House, Chagford.

22 JULY MULTICULTURAL PICNIC A celebration of the diverse cultures found in the Okehampton area through sharing food. Bring a dish, bring your friends and family and come to meet local people from all over the world! World music by local musicians, children’s activities.The picnic will be held at The Ockment Centre, Okehampton between 11am and 7pm. This

is a free event supported by OUC. For more information contact Christiana Kalouli tiankalouli@yahoo.co.uk 25 JULY LEATHERCRAFT WORKSHOP Learn how to make a simple purse, key-ring or necklace at this special event at Greenshoes in Moretonhampstead.

Enjoy the atmosphere of the Green Shoes workshop. Vegan options available. 11am until 1pm. £15 per adult (first child free, £5 per subsequent child). Suitable for adults and children aged 4+. Children must accompanied by an adult during the workshop. Booking essential - info@ greenshoes.co.uk - 01647 440735.

28 JULY COFFEE MORNING Enjoy coffee and refreshments to raise money for Chagford Singers, between 10am and noon at Endecott House, Chagford.

28 JULY HARVEST WORKERS’ CO-OP FAMILY WORKSHOP Seasonal cooking, gardening, craft, play and storytelling make for a great family afternoon at the EcoHut, Okehampton College grounds. 2pm until 4pm. 01837 318050.

28 JULY BRENTOR SUMMER FAYRE A variety of stalls, competitions and time to relax with an afternoon tea, Bar-B-Q or vegetarian catering. Why not enjoy a beer from a local brewery? Buy a raffle ticket as you enter for the chance to win some amazing prizes. Parking is available in the adjacent field. The fair runs from 12pm until 4pm. For more information visit www. brentorvillage.org 28 JULY ASHRIDGE GREAT BARN COUNTRY FAIR Fun for all the family with craft stalls,

Want to get your GCSE in English and Maths?

Learn Devon provides FREE* courses for adults in English and maths GCSE classes coming to Okehampton in September Improve your skills and employment prospects Gain a qualification Support your children with their school work

Search for courses under ‘West’ at: www.learndevon.co.uk or call 0345 155 1014 * Terms and conditions apply for all courses

38

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WHAT’S ON traditional fair games, local food and drinks, workshops and more! Fun dog show in aid of the Guide Dogs starting at 11am. The fair starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm. Free entry with lucky programme raffle with a percentage of proceeds going to North Tawton Ruby Club.

28 JULY BRIDESTOWE RAM ROAST To be held at Bridestowe Village Hall at 1pm. See What’s On Extra for more information.

29 JULY TOTNES AND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SHOW A celebration of everything rural with demonstrations of rural crafts by blacksmiths, thatchers and the sale of local food and drink. See www.totnesshow.com 28 & 29 JULY VINTAGE AND ANTIQUES WEEKEND RHS Garden Rosemoor’s Vintage Weekend will feature an antiques and collectors fair organised by Devon County Antiques Fairs, with stalls and sellers from across the South West and beyond, offering a selection of quality antiques and collectables of all sorts for sale. Gates open between 10am and 4pm. For more information go to www.rhs.org/gardens/rosemoor 29 JULY MUSIC AND CREAM TEAS

Come and enjoy an afternoon of music and cream teas at Ashridge Great Barn, starting at 3pm. The Bondleigh Barn Band is made up of local musicians who enjoy playing together an ever expanding repertoire of classical and contemporary music. Entry is free with a collection in support of the Bondleigh Church Medieval Glass Fund at the end of the performance.

31 JULY LETTERBOX WALK Starting at 10am from Bellever Forest at Postbridge car park (SX646 788). Duration: 4 miles/3 hours. Explore Bellever, learn about Dartmoor Letterboxes and visit several during the walk. Please book by emailing paul.dartmoor@virgin.net Cost: Free - donations welcomed for Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust.

31 JULY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP With John Howells at the Stone Lane Gardens near Chagford. Contact John for details: johnahowells@hotmail.com

August 1 AUGUST LEWTRENCHARD MANOR OPEN GARDENS The gardens designed by Walter Sorel extend over several acres with streams, a sunken garden, a profusion of shrubs, a huge rustic dovecote and a recently

restored walled vegetable garden. There are timeless walks from the gardens along Madam’s walk, on the banks of the River Lew and to the woods and beyond.

Refreshments will be served in the house. £5 entry fee, proceeds go to St Luke’s Hospice.

3 AUGUST DARTMOOR 100 The ‘Ultra Tour of Dartmoor’ is the first complete circumnavigation of Dartmoor ever to have taken place as an official race event. Runners have 36 hours in which to complete the event, which starts from the Pavilion in the Park in Okehampton at midday. For information go to www. dartmoor100.com 4 AUGUST DARTMOOR GRANITE 50 A 50-mile race to complement the Dartmoor 100, starting at Scorriton in the south of Dartmoor at 9am, and finishing at The Pavilion in the Park in Okehampton.

The runners have 15 hours to complete the demanding race.

See www.dartmoor100.com for information.

4 AUGUST ELF OUTPOST COFFEE MORNING A fundraising event at the Charter Hall in Okehampton, run by One Okehampton.

The coffee morning starts at 9am - all welcome!

To find out about...

A

GOOD ADVICE IS PRICELESS

An early tinplate clockwork car Sold for £10,000

St. Edmund’s Court, Okehampton Street, Exeter EX4 1DU T: 01392 413100 W: www.bhandl.co.uk E: enquiries@bhandl.co.uk

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

WHAT’S ON in your local area VISIT

Dartmoorlinks.co.uk 39

WHAT’S ON 5 AUGUST PERMACULTURE WORKSHOP Explore the principles and practicalities of permaculture with the North Devon Permaculture Group. Transport available. £30/20, 10am until 5pm. Held at the EcoHut, Okehampton College Grounds. 01837 318050.

8 AUGUST OKEHAMPTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY The society’s regular meeting will take place at the Ockment Centre in Okehampton at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Pip Barker, whose talk is entitled ‘The Human Face of Dartmoor Prison’.

8 AUGUST BELLEVER ROCKS AND STONES WALK Meeting at 10am at Bellever Forest, Postbridge car park (SX646 788) Duration: 3 miles/2 ½ hours. Explore Bellever and learn about Devon Rocks and Stones, can you find some of these painted rocks?

This new craze is sweeping Devon and during this walk you will hopefully find a few pony painted rocks. Children aged 7 and above. Please book by email at paul. dartmoor@virgin.net The walk is free but donations are welcome for Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust.

9 AUGUST OKEHAMPTON SHOW See feature on pages 42 & 43.

9 AUGUST THE MIDNIGHT GANG BY DAVID WALLIAMS Outdoor theatre at RHS Rosemoor. Join Heartbreak and the gang on this crucial mission to uncover the magic ingredient to a fantastic friendship. 5pm - 7.30pm.

For more information go to www.rhs.org./ gardens/events 10 - 12 AUGUST DARTMOOR FOLK FESTIVAL See What’s On Extra for more information.

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10 AUGUST THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES Enjoy this gripping outdoor performance by Chapterhouse Theatre at Roadford Lake.

Picnic with family and friends – the perfect evening of mystery. Adult £16/Student/ Child £10/Family (2 adults and 2 children) £46 Children under 5 FREE. 11 AUGUST FLOWER AND VEG SHOW In Sampford Courtenay Village Hall at 2pm - see What’s On Extra for more information.

11 AUGUST COFFEE MORNING The Forget Me Not Café will host a coffee morning at the Charter Hall, Okehampton between 9am and noon. This is an awareness event for people with memory problems and their carers. There will be information and advice from community groups and the emergency services, with refreshments and a raffle.

11 AUGUST SHOE MAKING WORKSHOP All the support, tuition and materials you need to make a stylish, durable pair of boots or shoes during this one day event at Green Shoes in Moretonhampstead.

See www.greenshoes.co.uk for more information or to book.

16 AUGUST BELLEVER ROCKS AND STONES Details as August 8.

16 AUGUST CHAGFORD SHOW See What’s On Extra for more information.

18 AUGUST THROWLEIGH VILLAGE FETE Fun for all the family at this traditional village event, which begins at 2pm.

18 AUGUST PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP With John Howells, to be held at Stone

Lane Gardens near Chagford. Contact John for details: johnahowells@hotmail.com 18 AUGUST MORETONHAMPSTEAD FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL See What’s On Extra for more information.

22 AUGUST LEATHERCRAFT WORKSHOP Learn how to make a simple purse, key-ring or necklace at this special event at Greenshoes in Moretonhampstead.

Enjoy the atmosphere of the Green Shoes workshop. Vegan options available. 11am until 1pm. £15 per adult (first child free, £5 per subsequent child). Suitable for adults and children aged 4+. Children must accompanied by an adult during the workshop. Booking essential - info@ greenshoes.co.uk - 01647 440735.

23 AUGUST MORETONHAMPSTEAD CARNIVAL See What’s On Extra for more information.

24 AUGUST THE NEW JERSEY BOYS The New Jersey Boys, based in Devon, take their audience on a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggest selling groups of all times – The Four Seasons. This choreographed show, featuring the amazing falsetto voice of Einar Vestman and the talented all round entertainer Gary Gould, is a clever mixture of tight vocal harmonies, superb solo spots and light comedy. See them at The Plough Torrington at 8pm. Box office 01805 624624.

25 AUGUST OUTDOOR CINEMA See ‘Stardust’ (2007) with Skyscape Outdoor Cinema at Stone Lane Gardens, near Chagford. Starring Claire Danes, Robert de Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Ricky Gervais (PG). Bring a picnic. Beverages available. Doors open 5pm. Email for details - hello@skyscapecinema.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON 25 AUGUST HARVEST WORKERS’ CO-OP FAMILY WORKSHOP Seasonal cooking, gardening, craft, play and storytelling make for a great family afternoon at the EcoHut, Okehampton College grounds. 2pm until 4pm. 01837 318050.

26 AUGUST SOIL BIOLOGY WORKSHOP There is more to soil life than worms!

Come to explore the fascinating world of the soil food web and how they are key for a healthy soil. This is an introductory workshop from a grower’s perspective, not a scientific talk! Enjoyable and captivating. 2pm until 6pm at the EcoHut, Okehampton College Grounds. 01837 318050.

27 AUGUST BELLEVER LETTERBOX WALK Details as 31 July.

27 AUGUST LUSTLEIGH SHOW One of Devon’s most popular village shows with a fantastic array of family entertainment including music, food, dancing, animals, displays and the Lustleigh 10k Run over the demanding terrain of Dartmoor. Open at 10am and show closes at 5pm.

Go to www.thelustleighshow.com

To find out about...

A

WHAT’S ON in your local area

28 AUGUST OAK CROAK FELL RACE The Oke Croak is a must for all offroad runners. The 10.69-mile route is challenging with 2,000 feet of ascent over the rugged moorland of northern Dartmoor. The race starts at 11am from The Pavilion in the Park, Okehampton. Go to www.okehamptonrunningclub.com for information.

7 - 9 SEPTEMBER AUTUMN DESIGN FOR LIVING FAIR The West Country is a popular place to discover many independent traders to suit all tastes. The design fair at RHS Rosemoor will bring to you a wonderful range of interior and exterior products.

10am until 5pm both days - normal garden admissions apply.

September

12 SEPTEMBER THE AZTEC LEGACY: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE The Aztecs have often been described as warlike and bloodthirsty, yet their creative achievements were breathtaking. Their shimmering city, built on a lake, lay at the heart of a vast empire. Military might was accompanied by exceptional developments in art and architecture. This lecture by Chloe Sayer is organised by the Arts Society for Dartmoor and will take place at The Charter Hall, Okehampton at 10am. For more information about the society go to www.dartmoor-dfas.org.uk

24 - 29 SEPTEMBER CHAGFORD FILM FESTIVAL Planning is now well underway for the seventh Chagford Film Festival. There will be a fantastic selection of films, workshops and events lined up, plus special guests including an Oscar winner. The film themes range from A to Z - aircraft to zombies!

There will be circus-style street entertainment, an event to commemorate 100 years of the end of World War I and much, much more.

Further news and a full schedule will follow in the next issue of Oke Links or see the website at . www.chagfordfilmfestival.com 7 SEPTEMBER CHARITY GOLF DAY The Lions Club of Okehampton will hold its charity golf day at Okehampton Golf Club, to raise funds for the Children’s Hospice South West. Four ball stableford, 34 handicap. There are great prizes to be won, raising money for a very good cause.

Entry fee £100 per team includes a bacon bap and coffee on arrival, or you can sponsor a hole for £200, which includes team entry. For more information call 01837 55564 or email kspedr@gmail.com

VISIT

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

15 SEPTEMBER AUTUMN CHALLENGE Organised by the Rotary Club, this charity event offers a choice of standard or extreme walk routes across Dartmoor.

Entry is open to teams of three to eight walkers, who raise sponsorship money to support the Rotary Club’s charitable works. This year the extreme walk finishes in darkness! For more information go to www.autumnchallengeok.org.uk

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: www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk All event listings are FREE. Send details to editorial@okelinks. co.uk or upload directly to our website by pressing the SUBMIT button 41

LOCAL PEOPLE FEATURE

The best in the west!

A day that has something for everyone

August - the height of summer and the month in which arguably the most important date in Okehampton’s calendar occurs - the Okehampton Show!

This year’s event, on August 9th, is the 111th show and more than a century since its inception, it still embodies the essence of the town - a true agricultural event that showcases fine quality animals, food and farming and strong community spirit - as well as providing a fantastic, family day out!

This year’s president is agricultural contractor Ross Campbell.

Born and bred in Okehampton, Ross says he is feels very honoured to have been elected to the role and has the ‘utmost respect’ for the committee which organises such a brilliant event on an annual basis.

‘My first memory of Okehampton show was when I was about nine or ten years old,’ says Ross. ‘It was then held on the original show ground, now the site of the primary school and Okehampton Rugby Football Club. I remember watching the rodeo held near the end of the show using Dartmoor Ponies - I can remember desperately wanting to have a go. I’d have been rubbish, but it looked like good fun!’

Ross says he and his wife Brenda are looking forward to meeting up with exhibitors, friends, family and work associates, plus customers past and present on show day.

‘I consider the show a very important part of the town’s calendar.

As this is the 111th show it could also be described as part of the town’s heritage and is still very much an agricultural show rather than a craft fair.

‘It provides an opportunity for businesses that supply the farmers to show off their wares and offer a little appreciation 42

and hospitality to their customers. It also gives them a platform to show off the latest innovations within their industry. For the general public the show provides an excellent, entertaining family day out - weather permitting!

‘Generally people are now far more interested in where their food comes from and how it is produced - the show provides them with an opportunity to talk to the proud farmers who have bred and selected the animals they are showing on the day. Also they get to to sample some of the excellent products in the food tent. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better one day agricultural show.’

Dawn Vanstone has been the show’s cattle secretary for the last four years. Between 250-300 cattle attend the show each year, with breeders travelling from as far afield as Penzance and Gloucestershire to show their prized animals in some 22 breed classes.

‘We also have classes for local farmers who can exhibit their cows and calves in pens, which is not very common at many shows and usually very well supported by people who would otherwise not show their animals,’ says Dawn.

‘Okehampton show is an important event for cattle breeders - it is a shop window for selling their produce and livestock. The more prizes they win, the more valuable their animals become, as this indicates a good example of the breed to future purchasers.

‘There is a great camaraderie among exhibitors and we have an excellent team of stewards helping everything run smoothly.

Spectators are always welcome during judging and there is a commentator explaining what’s going on. The judge in each class also explains why he or she has chosen their particular winners.

We lead in the Grand Parade in the main ring in the afternoon and the spectators help make a great atmosphere. Everyone is very proud to be there representing the best examples of their breed.’

So, what can visitors expect to see at this year’s big day?

Obviously the amazing livestock is a huge attraction - in addition to those 300-odd cattle, there are sheep - last year a record number of more than 1,200 - plus pigs, dairy and pygmy goat classes, small furries like rabbits and guinea pigs, and a fantastic

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FEATURE

horse and pony schedule, with breed showing, showjumping and carriage driving classes.

The ever popular sheep shearing is due to be a little different this year, with a speed shearing competition - expect to see all the skill, just an even more fast and furious event!

While many will make a beeline for the animals at the show, there is much to see on four wheels instead of four legs. Michael Ash has always been interested in vintage vehicles - now the show’s vintage secretary, he was approached by local farmer Dudley Luxton in 1984 to bring some of his collection to the show. From four exhibits the first year, the numbers increased gradually and really took off in the centenary year, when Michael was asked if he could organise some special exhibits. Since then the vintage section has snowballed and for the last two or three years there have been at least 150 beautiful exhibits to see.

Visitors to the show will find a tremendous display of jams and chutneys, cakes, crafts, artwork, photography, flowers and vegetables in the open section and if their appetites are whetted by the home-made goodies being judged, a huge variety of edibles will be available in the food tent. If retail therapy is your thing, there are trade stands galore to browse around while taking in the beautiful views from the show ground and enjoying the brilliant atmosphere.

The main ring will have all the usual attractions including the family dog show, magician Ozzy D, ferret racing, gun dog and birds of prey displays as well as the wonderful RPM Trials Bike – this year with a ‘have a go’ section.

Elsewhere on the show field will be the Red Arrows Simulator, who made a very successful debut last year and new for this year will be a RAPTOR interactive paintball range - all the fun without the pain! Children can also enjoy the usual inflatables, climbing wall and the special activities run by OCRA.

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

LOCAL FEATURE PEOPLE

Advance discounted tickets for Okehampton Show are available by email at info@okehamptonshow.co.uk, from the show office in Okehampton, Donald’s Menswear in Okehampton, Okeford Veterinary Centre and Mole Avon (Crediton and Okehampton) at £11 per adult (£13.50 on show day), £4 per child aged five to 16 (under fives free) and family tickets for two adults, two children for £25 (£30 on show day). Gates open at 9am, entry is free after 5pm.

Okehampton Show is organised by secretary Sally Bullingham and a very dedicated committee - but volunteers are always very welcome if they feel they are able to lend some support.

Just call the show office on 01837 659965 or email info@ okehamptonshow.co.uk For up to date information go to www.okehamptonshow.co.uk Jane Honey

43

Tavistock’s main venue for Films, Theatre, Live Music and Live Broadcasts

Welcome to...

MUSIC..............................................

TOTALLY TINA Saturday 7 July

OYE SANTANA Friday 13th July

JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO Saturday 14th July

T REXTASY Friday 20th July

While many tribute acts are content with just slightly resembling the original Totally Tina has spent years honing their act, dazzling Audiences nationally and internationally.

There’s a treasury of more than four decades of Santana catalogue to draw on, and every number in our set is a gem in its own right.

John Coghlan’s Quo take you on a joyous journey of his golden past in one of the most celebrated and much loved rock bands the UK has ever produced.

T-Rextasy is recognised as one of the best tribute groups on the UK music scene today.

RAINBOW RISING Saturday 21st July

ROXY MAGIC Friday 27th July

A VISION OF ELVIS Sunday 29th July

THE BOHEMIANS Friday 3rd August

The sheer attention to detail given to the act of recreating the live Rainbow experience is evident in every aspect of the band’s performances.

They recreate entirely live material that spans four decades, from futurist/nostalgic art rock, through to classic standards to sophisticated adult-oriented rock.

Starring Rob Kingsley winner of The National Tribute Music Awards “Official Elvis Show” and “No.1 Male Tribute” is internationally renowned as the best Elvis Presley tribute concert, touring today.

The lead singer Rob Comber bears an uncanny likeness to the original and the band have been congratulated for their performances by members of Queen.

MOTLEY CRUED & POIZEN Saturday 4th August

BJORN BELIEF Friday 10th August

BAD MANNERS Saturday 11th August

DIRTY BOURBON RIVER SHOW Friday 17th August

Mötley Crüde are a UK based tribute Formed in Swansea in 2002, to the Lewd, Crüed & Tattooed the band is made up of four rockers from the Los Angeles accomplished musicians who not Sunset Strip! only sound like the famous Swedish performers - they look just like them too.

KICK UP THE 80s Saturday 18th August

The UK’s Premier 80s tribute, Kick Up The 80s, playing some of the biggest hits of the 80s 44

WHOLE LOTTA LED Saturday 25th August

Bad Manners are an English The Dirty Bourbon River Show deftly two-tone and ska band led by melds sounds that range from hardfrontman Buster Bloodvessel. Early edged blues to Lisztian piano driven appearances included Top of The ballads to New Orleans brass into Pops and the live film documentary, a result that is truly a blast of new Dance Craze. energy into the musical landscape.

SHADES OF SEATTLE Friday 31st August

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50 years on Led Zeppelin’s They play tribute to the music of, influence and importance is as linked to & inspired by the Seattle strong as ever, Whole Lotta Led are “Grunge” scene and 90s Alternative here to demonstrate why!

Rock To promote yoursobusiness to 23,536* readers for - call 01822 615627 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk Dates and times shown may vary, please check our website all up to date information: www.tavistockwharf.com

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

July to November

Training courses in traditional skills The Dartmoor Hill Farm Project has organised a range of training courses to help support traditional skills such as dry stone walling, hedge laying and gate making.

The training will be held on working holdings across Dartmoor allowing an insight to the challenges of hill farming. Each course will generally take place over two days in small groups.

Sandra Dodd of the Hill Farm Project said: ‘Anyone with an eye for detail can’t help but marvel at the myriad of boundaries that form Dartmoor’s unique upland landscape. These range from the single skinned dry stone walls of the high moor to the verdant stone face hedge banks of the more sheltered valleys.

Although their primary function is livestock management they are also recognised for their associations with wildlife and archaeology.

‘Maintaining Dartmoor’s boundaries is a significant undertaking and falls predominantly on the shoulders of farmers and landowners. An average holding may have several miles of bank or walls which require regular input to retain them in a stockproof condition.

‘The programme of courses is aimed at a broad audience and feedback to date has been very positive with a desire to form a walling club. Various styles of boundary maintenance will be covered including a special Newtake walling course to be held on the high moor where participants will camp out overnight.’

As well as boundary maintenance two courses are also planned in the art of hardwood gate making. Using sweet chestnut, sourced from Dartmoor, participants will create their own gate from scratch, learning to cleave logs, work a drawknife and craft traditional mortise and tenon joints. This course is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and to create a high quality gate for your own property.

If you are interested in any of the courses or the walling club please contact the Hill Farm Project on 01822 890913 or hfp@ dartmoor.gov.uk The programme is part supported by the Heritage Lottery funded Moor than Meets the Eye landscape partnership scheme.

Boundary Courses: July 19 & 20 Dry Stone Walling (single and double skinned) £60 (Inc. VAT) (South Zeal) August 17 & 18 – Gidleigh, Fernworthy area (overnight camping) September 27 & 28 (Throwleigh) Newtake Walling - £60 (Inc. VAT) free to past course participants.

November 9 & 10 (Moretonhampstead) Devon Stone Fenced Hedgebank - £60 (Inc. VAT)

Beginning in July

Fun facts and folklore bring history to life!

Dark and dastardly, fabulous and fantastic; the alternative history of Okehampton!

primarily for local residents to learn more about the town as well as something for tourists to do.

Did you know about the great diamond heist of Okehampton?

The murderous wayward wife? The ghost of the blue woman or the tale of the portly porter? The grisly gaol? Rather regal royal cars? The crooked sea merchant or the casual cowboy?

The characters will be brought to life along the trail by volunteers at each location telling tales of murderous or marvellous mayhem. Horrible histories meets live docudrama!

Linking in with Kerry Quertier from The Museum of Dartmoor Life and well known local historian Mike Wreford, other local residents and the support of Cllr Kevin Ball, this fun mix of fact and folklore is hoping to culminate in a short book and trail

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

How can you help? Volunteers are needed and dates are to be confirmed but if you’d like to be involved or sponsor the project in any way then please do get in touch with Rebecca 07398 720015 and check out the Facebook page “One Okehampton” or email rebecca@fastmail.net to get an update on times/ dates.

45

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

8 July

Belstone Village Fair The annual Belstone Village Fair has something for everyone.

With plenty of parking space on the Belstone Cricket Ground you can relax and enjoy all your favourite sideshows and entertainment – not forgetting the famous tasty teas.

The fun starts at Belstone’s Great Green at 2pm on Sunday, July 8 – bring all the family and the dog! Browse the stalls – plants, bric-brac and books, have a turn on the sideshows and enjoy a Pimms while you listen to live music from the Bondleigh Barn Band. Watch the brave runners as they attempt the dizzy heights of Cosdon Beacon, maybe try your hand at archery - perhaps before you have the Pimm’s? How about watching or taking part in the Belstone dog races, egg throwing competition, children’s races or tug-of-war. Whether

you are a spectator or participant, there’s plenty of fun for all!

The Cosdon Hill Run starts at 2.30pm from the site of the fair, which is also the finishing point. All entries on the day – £5 – no pre-entries. Registration is at the village car park. For more information, visit the Okehampton Running Club website or log on to okeyraces.com and select Cosdon Hill Run. For many years organisers have been lucky with the weather but, just in case their luck runs out, they’ve booked the village hall so you won’t have to miss out on a great family afternoon out!

For further information, ring Mel on 01837 840549.

28 July

Bridestowe Ram Roast This popular family day out takes place on Saturday, July 28th from 1pm at Bridestowe Village Hall.

It will include childrens’ entertainment by Magic Martin, a special duck race, tug of war and children’s races. There will also be various food stalls including lamb baps and a licensed bar.

A Grand Draw will take place at 4pm and the first prize is £100 with a variety of other prizes. Stalls can be rented for £5 - they must be booked and paid for in advance (enquiries to bvh@ bridestowe.org.uk) Entry on the day is £1 (children under 12 go free) and all funds raised will go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the village hall.

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

47

Box Office: 01805 624624 or online at www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

SUMMER/AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS AT THE PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE

THE place in North Devon for superb live entertainment, theatre, films, live satellite screenings, exhibitions, workshops... and delicious local food!

Tapeley Park, Bideford

Wed 25 July, 5pm Castle Hill Filleigh Thurs 26 July, 5pm Tapeley Park Bideford Fri 10 Aug, 5pm Hartland Abbey

Sat 28 July 6pm Arlington Court (NT) Sat 11 Aug 7pm The Vicarage Garden, Torrington (Plough if wet)

Oberon’s Cure

OPEN AIR THEATRE

Dr Dolittle

OPEN AIR THEATRE

The Merchant of Venice

OPEN AIR THEATRE

OPEN AIR THEATRE

Tues 7 Aug, 7pm RHS Garden Rosemoor Wed 8 Aug, 7pm Hartland Abbey Thurs 9 Aug, 7pm Castle Hill, Filleigh Fri 17 Aug, 6.30pm Eggesford Barton EX18 7QU

Sun 12 Aug, 5pm Badock Gardens, Holsworthy Tues 14 Aug, 5pm RHS Garden Rosemoor Thurs 16 Aug, 6pm Arlington Court (NT)

Sat 4 Aug Midday - Midnight Cranford Cross Farm nr Great Torrington

Sun 26 Aug, 5pm The Vicarage Gardens, Torrington (Plough if wet) Thurs 30 Aug, 5pm Castle Drogo (NT)

Fri 13 July 7pm

The Pirates of Penzance

Sun 5 Aug 7.30pm Castle Drogo (NT) Thurs 23 Aug 7.30pm Hartland Abbey

Hound of the Baskervilles

OPEN AIR THEATRE

OPEN AIR THEATRE

Treasure Island

Elevation 593 Festival

The Railway Children

Wed 29 Aug, 7pm Castle Hill, Filleigh

Fri 31 Aug, 7pm The Vicarage Gardens, Torrington (Plough if wet)

The Importance of Being Earnest

Sun 9 Sept 3.30pm

Thurs 4 Oct 8.00pm

Pride and Prejudice

OPEN AIR THEATRE

OPEN AIR THEATRE

CAMPING AVAILABLE

Jenni Murray

Plough Arts Centre

OPEN AIR THEATRE

Tom Robinson

Plough Arts Centre

Coming Soon at The Plough Arts Centre

Sat 13 Oct 8.00pm Ruby Turner

Plough Arts Centre

Fri 26 Oct 8.00pm An Evening with Aggers

Plough Arts Centre

FRI 9 NOV ROBERT NEWMAN SAT 10 NOV ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE (JOHN CHALLIS) FRI 16 NOV JEREMY HARDY AT LYNTON TOWN HALL SAT 17 NOV JEREMY HARDY AT THE PLOUGH SAT 1 DEC ANDY FAIRWEATHER-LOW SAT 15 DEC SETH LAKEMAN

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

14 July

Lydford Summer Fair and Safety on Dartmoor Day This year’s summer fair will take place between 11am and 4pm at Lydford Sports Field. Following last year’s very successful event which even managed to feature on Channel Four, thanks to the Village of the Year Competition, organisers are sure it will be a fantastic fun day with a great line-up of entertainment. Entrance is free and parking is available in an adjacent field.

The Vikings will be on hand to re-enact another spectacular battle where audience participation will definitely be required!

Adventure Okehampton and the climbing wall, which is always a massive hit, will be there as well as various stalls, games, a bouncy castle, ice cream, candy floss, face painting, model aeroplanes, vintage tractors, etc.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue from Wingletang will be running the ever-popular dog show with rosettes to be won.

There is also the art competition which is open to all the Dartmoor Federation schools where a picture in any medium on the topic of ‘Vikings’ can be entered. There are three age categories; Reception/year 1 and 2, year 3 and 4 and year 5 and 6.

Returning on the day will be the five mile cross country run, The Lydford Dash, which will hopefully attract local and not so local runners as well as all the ones that competed last year

in a bid to beat their time. To enter go to lydfordparishcouncil. com/lydforddash Also, the local emergency and rescue services will be on hand for you to chat to them and see at close hand the valuable work that they do.

The organisers are delighted that the Western region of the British Balloon Club will be returning for their annual meet and carrying out morning and evening fly outs throughout the weekend and a static night burn will be held on the Saturday evening. Come to the fair and purchase a raffle ticket for the opportunity to win a flight in one of these spectacular hot air balloons. (Restrictions apply and weather permitting) If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, there will be a bbq, cakes, cream teas, Pimm’s, a licensed bar and tug of war!

If you would like to have a stall at the event, please don’t hesitate to contact Ruth on the number below.

As always the organising committee is looking for volunteers to help on the day, just for an hour or so, to help with marshalling the run, running games, helping in the tea rooms etc, so if you fancy lending a hand, please contact Ruth on 01822 820611 or 07515859596, email parfitterole@gmail.com.

Wine Tasting & Dinner Friday 13th July

Enjoy an informative and sociable evening with an introduction by Camel Valley, followed by a four course dinner with matching wines. £75.00 per person

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

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

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

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EAT & DRINK LOCAL DIRECTORY

Eat & Drink local...

West Devon has some wonderful spots to eat, drink and wile away those balmy summer days. Take your pick from our selection

EAT & DRINK L CA L

THE NEW INN We only use the freshest ingredients from local suppliers and farms from fish to meat and game lovingly created into mouth watering dishes by our Michelin Chefs Malcolm and Mathew.

Open: Tues-Sun coffee, lunch & dinner.

Sampford Courtenay Okehampton . EX20 2TB www.newinnsampfordcourtenay.co.uk 01837 82247 dc

LYDFORD HOUSE HOTEL A Victorian house and gardens with an intimate restaurant. On the Granite way/Route 27 at Lydford. Afternoon tea by booking. Cream Teas & light lunches daily.

Breakfast 8-10am Mon-Sat, Sun 8.3010.30am. Dinner 6pm- 8.30pm Tue- Sat. Lydford, Okehampton EX20 4AU www.lydfordhouse.co.uk 01822 820347 c

THE ROYAL OAK MEAVY An original 15th century freehouse complete with a flagstone floor, old beams and a large open fireplace. Home cooked food 7 days a week.

Walkers, cyclists and muddy dogs all welcome!

Open: Every day 11am-11pm Meavy PL20 6PJ www.royaloakinn.org.uk 01822 852944 c

MARIONS Okehampton’s favourite café. Serving great home-cooked food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nothing is too much trouble for Tina and her friendly staff. Takeaway available.

Monday - Saturday 9am-5pm 4 Church Court, St James Street Okehampton EX20 1DJ 01837 54236 c

THE WHITE HART Family run 17th century Free House. Dogs welcome. Proudly serving locally sourced meat, fish and dairy produce. Sunday Roasts.

Pensioners Fish’n’Chip Lunch Wednesday £5.95.

Food Served daily Midday-2pm, 6pm-9pm Sat & Sun open Midday-Close Bridestowe, Okehampton EX20 4EL www.whitehartinnbridestowe.com 01837 861318 c

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

Open: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 10am-3.30pm 3 Church Lane Tavistock PL19 8AA 01822 612225 c

THE DRAKE MANOR INN This award winning pub boasting a well stocked bar, locally sourced food and attractive garden must be visited. Self contained or B&B accommodation is also available.

Mon-Thur 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-11pm Fri & Sat 11.30am-11.30pm, Sun 12-11.00pm Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, PL20 7NA www.drakemanorinn.co.uk 01822 853892 c

THE PETER TAVY INN Charming 15th century pub in the village of Peter Tavy. Renowned for good food & wellkept real ales. Walkers, cyclists, children & dogs are welcome.

Open daily 12 noon to 11pm (Sun 10.30pm) Peter Tavy Near Tavistock PL19 9NN www.petertavyinn.co.uk 01822 810348

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

August 10 to 12

41st Dartmoor Folk Festival The annual family-festival includes concerts, a ramble on Dartmoor, a ceilidh, folk service, craft displays, dances, a dedicated Children’s Festival, a Dartmoor Fayre, music hall, pub sessions and music, song and dance workshops.

Hotly-contested competitions are the Dartmoor Broom Dance championships and Dartmoor Stepdance Championships.

It was 41 years ago that the festival was founded by the late Bob Cann, who lived in the parish of South Zeal. He had the dream of a folk event on his doorstep that would help to revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor.

Top local and national artists will headline at the 41st Dartmoor Folk Festival, which will be held at South Zeal, near Okehampton, on August 10, 11 and 12.

They include Jamie Smith’s Mabon (Friday), Melrose Quartet (Saturday), Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan (Sunday), Megan Henwood, Granny’s Attic, Melrose Ceilidh Band, Cardboard Fox, Flash Jack and Pete White’s Suitcase Circus.

It was the traditional music, dance, song and crafts of the area that formed the basis for the first festival and they still remain for the association which runs the festival today.

Since it was founded it has grown so that it can invite some of the best folk artists around, whilst maintaining its reputation for being a relaxed, friendly and traditional festival.

For further details, or to buy tickets, visit the website: www. dartmoorfolkfestival.org.uk

Other artists attending will be The Dartmoor Pixie Band, Ramsley Minors, Entertainingly Different, Dave Wills and various Morris and dance teams.

11 August

Sampford Courtenay and Honeychurch Flower, Produce and Craft Show This popular show has been running for some 40 years and has become an important part of village life, with families taking part in ongoing battles to win the various trophies for most points in each category.

There will be lots of classes of vegetables, fruit, flowers, homecraft, produce and 24 children’s classes, all of which are open to any child in the North Tawton area, not just residents of Sampford Courtenay or Honeychurch. This year look out for some new classes including scarecrows and the tallest sun flowers (to be judged in situ at people’s homes) and a fun class to see who has grown the heaviest crop of potatoes from just one seed potato – this will be weighed at the show.

After viewing the exhibits and treating yourself to some homemade refreshments, there will be a raffle and the always entertaining auction of the remaining exhibits before the prizes and trophies are awarded.

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

Doors open at the village hall at 2pm, admission is just £1 (children free).

More details of open classes that anyone can enter can be found on the Sampford Courtenay website at http://www. sampfordcourtenay-pc.gov.uk/annual-flower-show

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

August 18 & August 23

Moretonhampstead Food and Drink Festival and Moretonhampstead Carnival Since 1921, on the fourth Thursday in August, Moretonians have been celebrating carnival. This year is no exception and carnival day will be on August 23. A small committee works extremely hard to keep this tradition alive.

Pie to old favourites such as Midfield Granola and Dartmoor Chilli Farm.

Throughout the day there will lots to keep the children entertained. The Miniature Pony Centre will be doing pony rides and Funlands Funfair will be open throughout the day and into the evening - there will also be face painting and Punch and Judy. When the food festival winds down, there will be live music in the Sentry until late with more food and drink on offer!

A spokesman for the committee said: ‘We have a variety of exhibitors eager to showcase their goods who are awaiting you to taste the very best local food and drink that Devon has to offer. Come along and join us as we are extremely proud of our town and carnival and we are looking forward to showing you what we have to offer.’

This year the committee is hoping to build on the success of previous Moreton Food Festivals and kick-start carnival week with Moretonhampstead Carnival’s first local food and drink festival. This exciting new event will be held on Saturday, August 18 from 10am until 4pm. The festival will showcase local food and drink. There will be lots to see and taste, from new ventures such as Papillion Dartmoor Gin and Passion for

All proceeds from this event will go to Moretonhampstead Carnival which supports local charities such as Moretonhampstead Primary School.

Entry to the festival is free of charge for everyone. The festival will be held on Cross Street leading into the Sentry. There are two public car parks in Moretonhampstead and additional parking will be signposted.

Coming soon to Red Lion Yard

We are a local family business who pride ourselves on our quality food and excellent customer service.

Come and try our tasty succulent Cod coated in light crispy batter accompanied by golden crunchy chips, prepared by us from fresh locally sourced potatoes.

We look forward to welcoming you!

52

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Much more than a coffee house!

Recently shortlisted as one of five finalists in the Muddy Stiletto Awards and the Devon Life Food & Drink Awards, Toast Coffee House in Okehampton is well known as an award winning artisan coffee house in the centre of town.

The café has a superb reputation for serving delicious fresh food, afternoon teas homemade cakes and of course, wonderful coffee!

In April this year the upstairs of Toast was renovated into a large air conditioned studio and private treatment room. Now customers can get fit and enjoy looking after their health with a wide range of classes for all levels, including yoga and mindfulness meditation classes. Footsteps School of Dance provides classes for both adults and children and including modern, ballet, tap, jazz and Zumba - and so much more.

In the Treatment Room you can experience a range of relaxing massages. These include aromatherapy treatments, holistic deep tissue massage plus hand and foot massages.

Appointments can now be made for hypnotherapy courses these feature improving confidence, dealing with anxiety and

stress, overcoming fears and phobias and quitting smoking.

Pre-booking is essential for all treatment and exercise classes.

To book into any of the above classes you can contact the practitioner direct through our Facebook page – Toast wellness Centre On Friday and Saturday evenings, Toast is now open from 6pm offering ‘toast after hours’ – serving fresh cocktails, an extensive range of gins, beers, ales, ciders and wines.

In addition, Toast has now launched an artisan pizza menu for Friday and Saturday evenings and these are all freshly made to order – pre-booking is essential for food, walk ins are welcome for drinks and nibbles! Find us on facebook: www. facebook.com/eattoastuk where you can find out all about Toast Coffee House.

TOAST COFFEE HOUSE OKEHAMPTON TASTE THE LIFESTYLE

NOW OPEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENINGS FROM 6PM OFFERING ARTISAN PIZZAS AT TOAST AFTER HOURS TOAST WELLNESS CENTRE IS NOW OPEN ABOVE TOAST COFFEE HOUSE 01837 54 94 - FACEBOOK/EATTOASTUK See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

53

MUSIC &ON WHAT’S ART EXTRA

16 August

Chagford Show The Chagford Agricultural and Horticultural show is a traditional one day country show that is now entering its 118th year. The event is held each year on the third Thursday in August and for 2018 it’s on August 16th.

With classes for agricultural produce, horses, sheep, cattle, dogs and a vintage section, the Chagford Show embodies the best traditions of a proper country show. Not too big, not too small, and easy to get around.

There are more than 200 trade stands, a rural crafts area, a food hall displaying the best of local producers, a beer tent and lots of live music throughout the day.

The main ring carries a full day of special attractions –this year you can see Joseph and his Amazing Racing Camels! Camel racing is a huge sport in the Middle East and is becoming increasingly popular in the West. And here at this year’s Chagford Show is your chance to see this amazing sport. The camels and the jockeys, specially trained, wear fantastically colourful Arabian style outfits. As well as racing, the camels are on display all day so the public can meet these splendid animals and learn more about them.

And for something completely different, there’s the Joseph Peace Fire Stunt Show. Using plenty of paraffin Joseph starts on a burning unicycle, performs an escapology inside a burning box, rides a burning gyroscope as it is driven around the arena and finally jumps through a wall of fire on a BMX bike wearing nothing but frilly gold knickers!

You can even try your hand at tightrope walking with the ever popular Slackline returning to the Show this year.

54

And if cattle, sheep or pigs aren’t exotic enough for you, get up close and personal with the unusual creatures to be found at Dartmoor Reptiles! Pick up a python, tickle a tarantula or watch and learn from a distance.

If this sounds a bit much for you, there is also terrier racing, a parade of vintage tractors and cars. The Chagford Show has something for everyone and is a great family day out - come and see for yourself!

The show ground occupies a stunning situation on the beautiful banks of the Teign at Mill End (TQ13 8JN), Chagford, courtesy of The National Trust, Mr M Malseed , Mr P Morrish, Mr H de Ferranti and Miss B Hayter-Hames. There is ample free parking, and free buses run from Moretonhampstead and Chagford all day.

Full details of the 2018 Show appear on the website www. chagfordshow.com please take a look and whet your appetite for a day to remember!

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MUSIC & ART

14 July

Full bodied, committed singing!

On July 14, music lovers will be able to enjoy a concert by Dartmoor folk choir The Lost Sound in Moretonhampstead Parish Hall, a fundraiser for next year’s Moreton Music Day. The choir has been making no small headway on the music scene since they decided to devote their energies entirely to folk music; the intuitive and professional approach used by their director, Sandra Smith, a choir and voice coach, has helped the group develop a highly distinctive sound.

With the revival in choral singing inspired by choir competitions, more people are recognising and appreciating the sound of voices well attuned to sing in harmony; their power often deeply touches our emotions.

Sandra explained that this resonance has much to do with something buried in our ancestry and how the name of the choir was chosen for this particular reason. ‘The Lost Sound’ relates to the quality of singing that is archaic, the one that rings out and touches the listener, regardless of the style of the music. It is a quality of pure, full-bodied, committed singing, that used to be a part of every one and in every community, much of which has sadly disappeared.

Devon has a strong folk connection; some of the most successful folk artists come from Devon, such as Seth Lakeman, Jim Causely and of course Show of Hands.

This award-winning duo has played no small part in promoting the Lost Sound, including the singers on their cathedral tour and their 25 year celebration at The Royal Albert Hall last April. The choir continues to support Show of Hands, taking part in several concerts with them every year.

The Lost Sound’s repertoire is varied, including some old favourites with contemporary arrangements, and a few new songs by Westcountry song writers.

There are also additions of national and overseas material that give colour and variation to the choir’s programme. With rousing gospel songs, cradle songs, songs of remembrance, of joy, of loss, of love, of every colour and emotion, The Lost Sound has something for everyone.

The Moretonhampstead concert takes place at 7.30pm.

For more information go to www.thelostsound.co.uk

8 July

Festival for young artists MED Theatre’s Wild Nights Young Company will return to perform at TYPify Festival, a youth arts festival taking place in the grand historic Poltimore House near Exeter this July.

The three-day festival is dedicated to showcasing young talent from across Devon and will feature theatre, music, poetry and fine art – all by local young people.

MED Young Company will perform their piece on Sunday, July 8 at 7pm and 8pm. The performance has been written and rehearsed by the 13-19 year old young participants of MED Theatre and includes their original music.

For more information and tickets please visit the The Young Pretenders (TYP) www.theyoungpretenders.co.uk/ typify-festival

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

55

MUSIC & ART

20 & 21 July

Chagstock - the finest family friendly festival.

Taking place on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21, Chagstock will once again showcase the very finest music, food and entertainment from the Westcountry and beyond.

Friday night’s fantastic line up includes Xylaroo, The Correspondents, King King, Martin Harley, Hunter & The Bear and main stage headliners; Buzzcocks.

Saturday’s highlights include The Grahams, Show of Hands, Luka State, The Wood Burning Savages, The Hot Sprockets and to round off the festival, the incredible Imelda May. This year’s fancy dress theme is Space & Sci-Fi - going boldly where no-one costume-wise has gone before!

Simon Ford, Chagstock Festival organiser, said: ‘Due to popular demand we have now made some day tickets available for this year’s festival. We can’t wait to welcome friends new and old to Dartmoor for Chagstock 2018! With a line-up that includes incredible acts along with probably our best fancy dress theme ever, we are pulling out all the stops for 2018! Keep an eye on our website or social media for the most up to date news and announcements.’

Set in 70 acres of farmland near Chagford on the edge of Dartmoor, Chagstock is renowned for its stunning location, diverse line-up of artists and non-corporate, family friendly atmosphere, showcasing the best music, food and entertainment the Westcountry and UK have to offer.

Imelda May

Starting life as a small private party, Chagstock has now grown into a major fixture on the Westcountry festival circuit, selling out for the past six years in succession.

In addition to the main stages, Chagstock hosts a huge variety of alternative musical and non-musical activities for all ages, including large children’s area, independent local food traders, and of course, a well stocked bar serving a wide variety of beverages including local ales and ciders.

Chagstock Festival is a Not For Profit Organisation, proud to support Devon Air Ambulance Trust For more information go to www.chagstock.info

21 July

Fallen, In Love Dartmoor teenager, Jonny Hibbs, is the only under-18 to have a play selected by Exeter Phoenix theatre to be performed during their Playwrite summer showcase week in July.

His play ‘Fallen, In Love’ considers how social media has become the stomping ground of the teenagers of today: the new ‘behind the bike shed’ of young relationships. Feel the discomfort of someone questioning their sexuality, remember the torture of unrequited teenage love and learn about the

pitfalls of social media in this action packed short play.

You can see Fallen, In Love

by Jonny Hibbs at the Voodoo Lounge, Exeter Phoenix on July 21st. Box office 01392 667080.

Picture Framing

y n m da pe 4p tur O m - Sa a to 10 day on M

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Quality bespoke picture framer conveniently located on the edge of Okehampton with ample free parking Stannary Court, 57 Exeter Road, Okehampton EX20 1QF 01837 657460 Email info@sapphirepictureframing.co.uk 56

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NATIONAL TRUST

Activities galore amongst magical wildlife!

Come on an adventure to experience waterfalls, white water, woodland and wildlife. Summer is when the gorge feels most magical, and walking in the gorge feels like stepping into another world. There are circular walks to suit different abilities and time scales, the friendly visitor welcome team will be happy to advise you. Then there are extras such as the bird hide and Tucker’s Pool; more tranquil parts of the gorge in which to take some time out and feel refreshed.

There will be lots going on this summer for families and friends to get involved with and you can then stop off at the tea-rooms for ice creams or a traditional cream tea.

For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge or call 01822 820320.

LYDFORD GORGE SCAVENGER HUNT.

July 28 - September 9, 10am-4.30pm: Keep your eyes peeled and see how many things you can tick off on your walk. Check sheets available for a donation from reception.

FAMILY RANGER DAY. July 31, 11am-3pm:

MAKE A LYDFORD PIXIE DOOR.

August 4, 11am-2pm: Doors for other magical creatures are also encouraged. £3 per door, booking advisable.

BUSHCRAFT DEN BUILDING. August 9, 1.30pm-3.30pm: Learn how to build a den, then cook some bread on a stick to eat in your den. £4 per child, £2 per adult, booking essential.

BUG HOMEMAKING.

August 13, 10.30am-1.30pm: Construct a home for all sorts of creepy crawlies. £2 per person, booking advisable

MAKING WOODLAND FACES. August 19, 10.30am-1.30pm:

Create a sculpture for your garden or home using local wood and basic hand tools. All materials supplied with full instruction from the ranger team. £3 per sculpture, booking advisable.

Normal admission applies to all events

What's around Add some colour to the corner? your weekend this

autumn at Gibside Adventure through Lydford Gorge, daily 10am-5pm Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities.

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\Mel Peters.

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

57

NATIONAL TRUST

It’s all happening at the castle!

Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine or sheltering from the showers Castle Drogo is the perfect place to be this summer.

Throughout the holidays families can follow the trail around the garden (£1), play games on the croquet lawn, explore the woodlands of the Teign Gorge and join in with craft activities on a Tuesday (small charge applies). The castle gardens will also be the venue for two special theatre performances. On Sunday, August 5, 7.30pm, Illyria productions will perform The Hound of the Baskervilles and on Thursday, August 30, 5pm8pm Heartbreak Productions will be bringing to life the classic tale The Railway Children. Booking for both is via The Plough box office, 01805 624624 (Prices: £13 (Full), £10 (concessions)).

GARDEN TOUR - HERBACEOUS BORDERS:

HARD HAT TOURS:

HYDRO TURBINE GUIDED TOUR:

Tuesday, July 10, 10.30am-12noon Tuesday, August 14, 10.30am-12noon.

A behind the scenes tour of the building project to save Castle Drogo. The tour will include lots of stairs so you must be physically fit and have a head for heights. Must be over 16 years old, wearing sturdy footwear and legs must be covered (no skirts or shorts). Normal admission applies. Booking essential on 01647 433306. £7.50 per person.

Wednesday, July 18, 5pm-6.30pm.

Discover more about herbaceous borders in the Drogo garden on a personal tour with one of the gardeners. Normal admission applies. Booking essential on 01647 433306. £5 per person.

PLAY DAY:

Wednesday, August 1, 2pm-4pm.

Castle Drogo will be hosting an afternoon of fun and games on Piddledown Common as part of the national day for play.

Wednesday, August 29, 1.30pm-4.30pm.

Knowledgeable guides will lead you down to the hydro turbine on the River Teign, talk about its history and how it works.

The tour is over very steep and uneven ground so you must be physically fit. Booking essential on 01647 433306, £5 per person.

Wander through Addsummer some colour to the blooms your weekend this at Castle Drogo autumn at Gibside The garden, castle, shop, cafe and estate open Go crunching through fallen leavesare and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities. everyday.

nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01647 433306 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/castledrogo When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your

helps usTrust to look2017. after special <in the region> <like ©support National Theplaces 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.

58

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NATIONAL TRUST

Women and Power From July - October 2018, Finch Foundry in Sticklepath will stage an exhibition as part of the National Trust’s ‘Women and Power’ programme, about Emlin and Rebecca Finch who ran the foundry in the late 1800s and kept it from bankruptcy.

None of George’s sons were ready or willing to take over so his widow Rebecca stepped in. She encouraged further diversification, with her sons’ skills in sales and production making the business more profitable.

Emlin took over in 1873 after her husband John’s death. Before that, the business had come close to bankruptcy due to a court case and had to be put up for auction. Fortunately the Finch’s gained local support, becoming part-owners with other local families.

The business improved significantly. Rebecca hand-wrote the first Finch tool catalogue, which was distributed far and wide.

Her sons and daughters-in-law travelled to market to make sales and she worked locally to promote their quality goods.

The business employed 25-30 people and also sub-contractors to keep up with demand.

Soon after, John died leaving Emlin, his sole benefactor, a little under £400.

Local industry improved due to government investment and the Finch’s diversified by selling fuel and wooden products. When Emlin died in 1882 the family holdings had risen to £621.

The business passed to George, Emlin’s younger brother-inlaw, who died three years later, apparently from a laudanum overdose after a painful toothache. The family’s holdings dropped during this time to £489.

When Rebecca died in 1891 she left a much improved business. Her son Albany George took over, expanding and diversifying by importing goods from America, exporting to Europe, and involving his brother’s car-rental firm.

Without the influence of Rebecca and Emlin, the Finch business would have surely failed and been sold off rather than carrying on until 1960.

Finch Foundry Add some colour to See women your how weekend this autumn at Gibside managed the business in Victorian times

Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities.

nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01837 840046 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry 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

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

59

WALKS DOG WALK WALK WITH WITHWINNIE WINNIE

Walks with Winnie This walk has been kindly written (and walked) for us

by Denise Horner of Dartmoor Nordic Walking with her dog, Winnie.

From Shilstone Tor to Cosdon Beacon.

Start OS 659:902 Distance: Approximately 6K Time: Approximately 2 hours.

An open walk with no shelter - but amazing views!

It’s not recommended as a dog walk on a hot day, although you do cross Blackaton Brook a couple of times. It is a steady uphill to Cosdon Beacon (550m) from Shilstone Tor (314m), becoming steeper as you get closer to it. On the way back we will take in the Triple Stone Row. But then of course, it’s downhill all the way back! It is a walk that is definitely worth the climb as the views from the top are far reaching, towards Hay Tor, Exmoor and beyond.

Park at the base of Shilstone Tor and walk up towards the tor. Behind the tor you will see Cosdon Beacon in the distance and a track taking you to the moors through Throwleigh Common.

Stay on this track until you see a row of bushes in front of you, taking the track to your left before you reach them. It will run towards the opposite end of the line of bushes, which should always be on your right hand side.

Once you reach the row of bushes, head straight across and down the hill towards Blackaton Brook and the ford.

It’s a good spot for the dog to paddle or even swim if there’s been rain!

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Passing over the stream you will see a track in front of you which contours around the side of Kennon Hill to the right. Follow this track until you meet another stream, cross this and stay on the track up towards a dry leat - a nice flat spot to stop before the final ascent to the top! Even the views from here are pretty amazing, with Castle Drogo easy to spot.

Continue uphill now, a steady climb, staying on the track all the way to the top. It is one of those climbs where it feels like you are always saying ‘nearly there’! Cosdon Beacon and the trig point will be a welcome sight here at Cosdon Hill on South Tawton Common.

The views are really pretty amazing and worth the climb. And this is where Nordic Walking poles come into their own, if you have them! Stay a while and take in the 360 degree view. It always makes us want to carry on walking further into the moors and reach the next tor - but we will save that for another day.

Head back down starting with the Beacon behind you. Face towards the direction you have come from. You will be able to make out a grass-covered

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WALK WITH DOG WINNIE WALK

stone circle in front of you. To the left of this you will see a grass track heading downhill - take this and as you walk over the ridge, you will clearly see the Triple Stone Row below and slightly to your left.

Standing at the top end of the row, looking straight ahead you can see a wide track towards your right. Staying on this for about 300 metres, a further track on your right will take you back towards the Blackaton Brook in the valley. Crossing over the stream you will be faced with several tracks - take the one on the right. At the start of this track you will find a small piece of triangular shaped granite, it points in the direction you need to go.

Once over the brow of the hill you will again see the line of bushes. The path heads towards the corner of this. With the bushes on your right this time, heading continually downhill, staying on the track back to Shilstone Tor. Looking up and to your right you will see Kes Tor in the distance.

Dedicated Small Animal Veterinary Care in the Okehampton and Chagford Areas

Map for guide only.

If you would like to join us on this walk, we will be meeting at Shilstone Tor on Saturday, July 28th at 10am.

Please book your space on: www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk or call Denise on 07944 630677.

For more details please phone Denise on 07944 630677 or email denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk www.dartmoornordicwalkng.co.uk www.pentranger.co.uk ‘Dartmoor Nordic Walking’ and ‘Walks with Winnie’ are on Facebook.

Dog and cat boarding as well as doggy day care Passaford Lane Hatherleigh EX20 3LT 01837 810424 www.riversidebkc.co.uk

Contact: 01837 52148 Okeford Veterinary Centre Ltd School Way, Okehampton EX20 1EU 70B The Square, Chagford TQ13 8AE

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

61

FOOD & DRINK

Glorious Gin! It’s a drink that’s come a long way from its roots The history of gin dates back to the 17th century, with the first confirmed record of production being in Holland. The Italians have put a claim to making it prior to this, but hey, who can blame them?

Originally produced for medicinal purposes and sold in chemist shops around Holland to treat ailments such as stomach complaints, gout and gallstones, the Dutch started to add botanicals such as juniper to make the curing concoction a little more palatable.

British soldiers fighting in the Thirty Years’ War were given gin for its calming effects and to help them through the cold damp conditions. This is where the term ‘Dutch Courage’ seems to originate from.

With more than 40 million bottles sold in the UK every year, a week doesn’t seem to go by without a new gin hitting the shelves. Of course, the number, types and styles of gin are ever increasing. In this article I have explained the five main styles of gin that can easily be found and how best to use them.

London dry gin is what most people think of as ‘gin’. They are typically very dry, heavily juniper flavoured, light in body and aromatic. To get the flowery, botanical flavour, this style of gin is typically infused with various aromatic ingredients during the second or third distillation process, giving each brand its own unique taste. London dry gin doesn’t have to be made in London and most aren’t. Common brands include Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire and Beefeater. This style is great for classic martinis, gin and tonics and Aviation cocktails.

appropriately named as it was the preferred gin in a Tom Collins. It’s often thought of as somewhere between a London dry gin and Genever. It can be difficult to find but look for the Hayman’s brand. Old Tom Gin is most famously used in the Tom Collins and Martinez cocktails, but is also delicious in a Ramos Gin Fizz. Popular producers include Hayman’s Old Tim and Langley’s Old Tom. Craft or New Wave are umbrella terms used to refer to all of the new styles of gin that use the same base distilling process but are predominantly infused with flavours other than juniper berries.

Plymouth gin is a less dry cousin to London dry gin that must be made in Plymouth. Infused with more roots, this style of gin has an earthier flavour with softer juniper notes than other styles. Currently, there is only one brand of Plymouth gin produced in the world and, wouldn’t you know it, it’s called Plymouth! It can be used anywhere a London dry gin is used.

These types of gin are becoming increasingly popular, with consumers opting for quality rather than quantity. The most common one you might be familiar with is Hendrick’s, flavoured with cucumber and rose. Gins from this category work well with a whole range of mixers, from grapefruit to elderflower and even ginger beer!

Genever or Dutch gin is very different in colour and taste to other types of gin. Unlike most gins which are made with a combination of cereal grains, Genever is made from a base of malt grains which gives it a darker colour and flavour that bears more resemblance to a light-bodied, botanical whiskey. Recently, Genever has been revived by craft mixologists who are using it creatively in cocktails, but it is just as good for sipping straight or chilled. The most commonly available brand is Bols Genever.

The humble gin has come along way from its Dutch roots and has become one of our most loved spirits. So next time you’re selecting gin, have a look around at the different approaches and styles distillers have used to really put a signature on their product!

Jason Mules Waitrose Okehampton

Old Tom Gin is a sweeter cousin to London dry gin and is

62

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Eat, live, lose weight How intuitive eating can help with long term weight loss...

Sharon O’Brien is the creator of an innovative method of weight loss; The Intuitive Eating Weight Loss Method. After years of working with women she found that emotional eating was underlying many of our weight issues (how often have you grabbed chocolate, or reached for carbs when you feel low?)

At its core, the Intuitive Eating Weight Loss method has one belief: Your body knows exactly what it needs at any particular time (and yes, that includes chocolate and wine!)

Diets do work - but only if you stick to them. That’s the problem. Keeping to a diet for a prolonged period of time is exhausting.

I don’t advise on diet, instead I help you find your food story and re-write it. Aligning your mind and body so you start listening to what your body needs, rather than what your mind wants, is the way forward.

being healthy a natural process. If appropriate, gastric band hypnosis can be included to increase the rate of your weight loss.

Try this: With your next meal, focus on your eating - rather than watching TV/checking Facebook etc - and notice how your body feels as you get full. Listen and feel for the ‘full up’ signal and regardless of how much food is left – stop eating.

Notice what thoughts appear and you’ll have an idea of the food story that’s holding you back.

So if you’re someone struggling with weight loss and want to learn more about Intuitive Eating, please contact me at sharon@sharonobrien.co.uk or visit www.sharonobrien.co.uk Sharon O’Brien, Coach and Hypnotherapist

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63

HISTORY

Images fron: Paul Randell Private collection Spreyton church

The Three Hares Dr Sue Andrew delves into this fascinating medieval mystery on Dartmoor Around Dartmoor, villages and towns are clustered about their medieval parish churches. These ancient buildings are havens of peace and tranquillity and each has its own story to tell.

Discovering them is an engaging occupation, for it connects us to our place and the people of the past.

For 25 years or more, Dr Tom Greeves, archaeologist and historian, Chris Chapman, documentary photographer and I have been on the tantalising trail of mysterious medieval carvings that can be found in 16 churches in or near Dartmoor - Ashreigney, Bridford, Chagford, Cheriton Bishop, Iddesleigh, Ilsington, Kelly, Newton St Cyres, North Bovey, Paignton, Sampford Courtenay, South Tawton, Spreyton, Tavistock, Throwleigh and Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Broadclyst church has nineteenth-century plaster copies.

The carvings, on oak roof bosses, depict three hares running in a circle, often in an anticlockwise direction, though a few are clockwise. The design is a puzzle - each animal has two ears, yet between them they share only three ears, forming the sides of a triangle at the centre of the motif.

Carved in the 15th century, before the Reformation when England was still Catholic, the bosses tend to be roughly square and usually measure no more than 30 centimetres in diameter. Where they are coloured, the paint is modern, though whether they were originally coloured is not known.

The carvings are located in the chancel - the most sacred part 64

of the church - and also the nave and aisles. The responsibility for the chancel rested with the clergy and patron, while the lay people of the parish were responsible for the nave and aisles, so the motif was clearly of relevance to all.

Almost nothing is known of the carvers, who may have known of carvings in neighbouring churches, or perhaps worked from pattern books. The earliest known occurrence of the hares in Devon is in an illuminated manuscript. A decorated initial with the three hares is found in a 13th century psalter, or book of psalms, which belonged to John Grandisson, Bishop of Exeter from 1327 until 1369.

The three hares motif is found – rarely – in churches and cathedrals elsewhere in England and Wales, and in continental Europe, in various media and forms – wood and stone bosses, stained glass, clay tiles, polychromy (paint) and on a great bell in Germany – yet nowhere in Europe are the hares found in the concentration in which they appear in Devon.

Why were hares considered suitable as a decorative motif in the pre-Reformation church? Although no specific medieval reference to the three hares has yet come to light, the hare is mentioned in bestiaries – books of beasts that had a strong moralizing dimension and which influenced sermons.

According to bestiaries, God created animals and gave them differing habits so that, through their example, sinful man might reflect on his own behaviour and seek redemption.

Often it is the hare’s ambiguity that is stressed, for the hare

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HISTORY

Finding wills and probate information for family history research Wills are an invaluable source of information for family history researchers.

They can reveal family relationships you didn’t know about, and may disclose intimate details about a person’s household and lifestyle, such as place of residence, occupation, relationships with other local people and even property and goods.

Three hares, TavistockCollection

Three hares, Spreyton

was believed to be hermaphrodite – sometimes male, sometimes female – and so was likened to a double-minded man not firm in his faith who could easily succumb to temptation. It may be that the motif in the church was a warning against sin, for the hare was often associated with lust.

Yet the three hares do not just occur in the sacred spaces of Christendom.

Their earliest known incarnation is in a Buddhist context – in cave temples at Mogao on the edge of the Gobi desert in China. Here the three hares are located at the apex of 16 cave temple ceilings on painted representations of textile canopies, dating from the end of the sixth century through to the beginning of the tenth.

The motif is not believed to be Chinese in origin. It may have come to China from the Iranian world, possibly carried by merchants along the ancient Silk Roads. The Eastern Iranian-Islamic world, in particular, is the source of surviving metalwork, glass, ceramic, silk, and leather artefacts bearing three, and, sometimes, four hares, dating from the 10th to the 14th centuries. Highly prized for its exquisite craftsmanship, some of this work found its way into Western church treasuries.

In a Jewish context, a single medieval example of the three hares motif is found in a Hebrew manuscript, dated 1309. The design was used in ceiling

Eastern Iranian tray, 13th C., Keir Collection

paintings in synagogues in the 18th century and on Jewish gravestones in the 19th century.

More information on the three hares is available at: www.chrischapmanphotography.co.uk; www.tomgreeves.org; and www.sueandrew.co.uk

The Three Hares Trail If you would like to see these mysterious emblems yourself, you can follow the Three Hares Trail.

Chagford artist Eleanor Ludgate has long been fascinated by the three hares and has created a leaflet and map detailing where the motifs can be seen, illustrated with her own beautiful paintings.

Eleanor said: ‘A love of hares and a fascination for the symbol was one of the reasons I was drawn to Chagford, where the church of St Michael has two beautifully carved examples of this image and the symbol can be seen throughout the town where it is known as the “Tinners Rabbits”.’

Trail leaflets can be found at tourist information centres, the churches themselves and at The Three Hares Gallery in Chagford where you can view Eleanor’s original paintings.

Ancestry has the national probate calendar, an index for tracking wills and probate records after 1858. It also has various probate records dating from 1269 to 1975, as well as wills from the Prerogative Court of Canterbury [PCC] from 1384. The PCC, which actually sat in London, was the senior church court, and wills proved by the PCC represent the largest collection of pre-1858 wills for England and Wales. It mainly handled probates for property owners, but there were other reasons people chose to use the PCC, for example a nonconformist might wish to avoid the attention of local clergy by opting for the higher court, or if a will was contested it might pass to the PCC too. From 1653 to 1660, the PCC was the only court to deal with wills and administrations.

FindMyPast has a selection of wills from various parts of the country. The Devon wills index for 1163-1999 includes 295,609 wills, proved across 30 courts, for people who were born or died in Devon. The Devon wills index is a search-aid for the family historian to check available probate records, their location and if they survived the Exeter Blitz of WW2.

Wills can also be located on the national archives website, and ordered or downloaded for a small sum. Wills were proved by a number of courts, and the only probate court records held by the national archives are those of the PCC up to 1858.

Susan Francia, Family History Research Services 01822 820855 fhistoryresearch@gmail.com www.family-historyresearch.co.uk

Photo credits: all images © Chris Chapman

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Trade Secrets Mark Davison TOUR OPERATOR – VENTURE CO, OKEHAMPTON Why did you become a tour operator?

My first job overseas was as a guide in East and Southern Africa. After guiding for 8 years my mother told me to get a ‘proper job’ so I set about becoming a tour operator.

How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need?

The biggest challenge of becoming an independent tour operator is the ATOL bond (Air Travel Organiser’s License).

You need a few years of relevant, professional experience, backed up with a colossal financial bond. The ATOL is administered by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and provides financial security for my clients.

How long have you been a tour operator?

I guided for 8 years, then returned to England and set-up an ABTA-bonded travel agency in Cheltenham in partnership with a colleague. I sold the agencies in 1999 and set up Venture Co the same year.

Where do you work?

My office is in Okehampton and we specialise in South America, Africa and India.

Who else works with you?

There are three of us in the office and I also work with about half-a-dozen freelance group leaders who accompany Venture Co’s small groups. In addition to that I have a network of guides around the world, many of whom I first met when I was guiding and have since helped set up their own in-country ‘in-bound tour operation’. This means that when I send couples or families to anywhere in Africa, South America or India I know exactly who I’m dealing with and can trust them to deliver.

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is actually crucial: I have to know what I’m talking about so that a specific person is matched with the right hotel/ beach/national park/guide and so forth.

How does your day usually unfold?

My day begins with email – just like everyone else! I might have a horseriding group going to Patagonia, a safari to Kenya and a ‘Golden Triangle & Tigers’ trip in India. Each one of those itineraries has to be planned exactly and budgeted, so emails bounce back and forth, often in two or three different languages. Every single itinerary has to be tweaked and adjusted and the finished holiday may take dozens of emails back and forth to complete Where do you go on holiday?

Africa! I know the continent well and it’s so incredibly varied.

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

Study geography at school, and a language; and then get experience working overseas, which generally means long hours and rubbish pay. But working overseas is brilliant fun, and that grassroots experience is invaluable.

What is the best thing about your job?

I only sell destinations that I (or one of the team) have checked out. I don’t travel so much these days, but I really enjoy recce trips and gathering information. Last year I visited Namibia, India and Colombia, which was actually hard work, but rejuvenating!

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