Oke Links - November/December2017

OKE LINKS

November / December 2017

Issue 6

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

h t i w g Workin . . . d n a l the

Happy Birthday Oke Links!

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT WITH SUSTAINABILITY INSIDE: LOCAL PEOPLE • SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT • WHAT’S ON • GARDENING • HISTORY • NOTICEBOARD WORKING COOPERATIVELY Workers Cooperative about the benefits of organic produce

HISTORY

Reviving an ancient festival of the Hobby Horse

WHAT’S ON

Okehampton’s Edwardian Evening, Hatherleigh Carnival, Art for All and much more...

DELIVERED FREE BY YOUR POSTMAN TO ALL EX20 1, 2 AND 4 POSTCODES (a guaranteed circulation of more than 8000 homes and businesses)

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

It’s a magazine milestone...

Happy Birthday Oke Links!

Welcome to the first anniversary edition of Oke Links! Yes, this issue marks the completion of a packed first 12 months for a community magazine dedicated to reflecting the people and places that make the Okehampton area such a great place to live and work.

The response from readers has been phenomenal with reactions like ‘... at last we have a magazine dedicated to the Okehampton area’ and ‘such a great read, I really look forward to it arriving through my door’ – which for all of us on the team is great to hear!

We are also really pleased to have introduced new customers to our local advertisers and would like to thank both the advertisers and their customers for their continued support, without whom the magazine would not exist.

This issue has a bit of a ‘green’ theme, as we meet a renowned expert in solar energy, an enthusiastic young organic farmer and one of the pioneers involved in Okehampton Community Garden.

Our feature this edition puts the spotlight on a group of people dedicated to working the land and educating the public about sustainable production methods.

You may remember an interview with Okehampton teacher Hannah Radbourne in our July/August edition, who was preparing for the adventure of a lifetime, spending her summer holidays teaching in Rwanda. In this issue, Hannah recounts her experiences – they were clearly inspirational and I am sure the children at the primary school have been hearing all about them!

I hope you enjoy reading the stories in this anniversary issue and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year – here’s to 2018!

CONTENTS 4. NOTICEBOARD Developments for the rail link, adventures in Rwanda and a look at allotments 12. SPORTS NEWS Walking netball and martial arts 14. LOCAL PEOPLE An organic farmer, a busy gardener and a world renowned expert!

20. SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT News from the new headteacher at South Tawton Primary School 22. CHARITY FOCUS Tor Support Services – a lifeline for young people 28. GARDENING Those all important tasks for winter 38. WHAT’S ON EXTRA Edwardian Evening, Hatherleigh Festival, Art for All | and christmas markets.

46. WALKS WITH WINNIE A lovely circular walk from Meldon Reservoir 48. FEATURE Working co-operatively and spreading the word about organic food 56. HISTORY Sticklepath History Group revives an ancient festival

Jane Jane Honey – Editor.

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

The deadline for any inclusions in January/February issue is 1st December 2017.

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 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 3

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 © 2017

3 18/10/2017 13:35

NOTICEBOARD

Train service restoration takes a leap forward OkeRail, which is working towards the restoration of a regular train service between Okehampton and Exeter, say a crucial step forward has been taken in the project, as groundworks for a 300 space car park have been carried out on Devon County Council land for the ‘Okehampton Parkway’ station.

The plan is that the new station and car park would be built just two minutes from the A30 at nearby Higher Stockley Mead.

During this summer’s election campaign the Secretary of State Chris Grayling announced the plan to reintroduce a trial rail service between Okehampton and Exeter by the end of 2018. A ‘temporary’ station platform would be used for the trial.

Bob Rush, a surveyor and director of OkeRail who has submitted detailed proposals for the new station, said: ‘With the business park and at least 120,000 residents in West Devon and North Cornwall without a nearby rail service, there is a very clear need to restore rail connectivity into Exeter for both work and leisure. Rail services throughout Britain are becoming revitalised in recent years. The reintroduction of the Okehampton services is long overdue.’

Multi million pound store takes step forward Mole Avon Trading continues the development of its longawaited country store in Crediton with the appointment of Devon Contractors Ltd, who along with consultants Alder King commenced work on the primary phase of the development in the autumn.

Mike Haines, managing director of Mole Avon, said: ‘We have invested in our Okehampton and Axminster sites over recent years and it is great that now, with this site at Wellparks, we are continuing the journey. We are firmly committed to helping boost the local economy by creating new jobs, by working with local suppliers in the construction of the new store and by holding fast to our core commitment of serving our traditional farmer base whilst increasing the breadth of the products and services we offer the wider community.’

The store, around 30,000 sq ft, will incorporate retail selling space, warehouse and head office space.

Devon County Council is working closely with GWR, Dartmoor Railway, Okehampton and OkeRail on the design of the required infrastructure for the station.

Cllr Rev Mike Davies, chair of OkeRail Forum, said: ‘A lot of work has gone on over many years and a lot still has to be done. I am pleased that we are now seeing some significant progress. It is looking like the number for car parking spaces will be a lot greater than we envisaged one or two years ago and this can only be good for the area. We are still waiting on the final plans for the design from Devon County Council but at least we are moving forward.’

Dr Michael Ireland, chair of OkeRail CIC, said: ‘It is vital that any plans for a Parkway station takes into account the wishes of the community of Okehampton and the neighbouring towns in West Devon and North Cornwall. It is essential that all trains terminate at Okehampton Town Station serving the tourist to Dartmoor and local residents.

‘The Parkway station will cater for a different customer base, commuters to Exeter, inbound and outbound passengers from Bude, Launceston, Holsworthy and Hatherleigh wishing to connect with the nation rail network. The county council must take into account the wishes of the local community and provide a station that serves their needs.’

Calendar launched to help the hall Some lovely images of Sampford Courtenay and the surrounding area are included in a calendar new for the coming year, which will help raise much needed funds for the village hall.

Local resident Rosemary Lowe has compiled the calendar following the success of a previous edition she created a few years ago – the pictures include various scenes and events from the village and which have a connection with the parish.

The village hall is the original Victorian school building and has been extended in recent years, however, ongoing maintenance is required, particularly work on the roof. In addition to the calendar, a programme of fundraising events have been planned.

The 2018 calendar is available for £6 and can be purchased from the New Inn in Sampford Courtenay or from Nicky Courage on 01837 880300 or Rosemary Lowe on 07837 851248.

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NOTICEBOARD

Training teachers in Rwanda Following an exciting and challenging summer in Rwanda, Hanna Radbourne tells us about her adventure...

‘Did you have a good summer?’ This phrase can be heard in the corridors of every school in September. People return from a break full of excitement and anticipation for the year ahead.

I always answer this question with a ‘Yes, thanks.’ But this year I could reply with significantly more conviction than ever before.

I spent the summer holidays working for a charity, Limited Resource Teacher Training, running training and coaching for teachers in the Nyamasheke region in South West Rwanda.

Rwanda is a beautiful country and certainly lives up to its name – land of 1,000 hills. Every view was picture-worthy.

This, however, leads to many challenges. Our project began with a series of weekend workshops where we worked alongside 158 local teachers stimulating thought and discussion about existing practice and ways to improve. The teachers arrived bright-eyed and full of enthusiasm – amazing when many had walked over three hours across the mountains to make our 8.30am start!

These teachers teach the full spectrum; nursery to upper senior with all subjects being represented. The challenges they face quickly became apparent. The Rwandan education system changed its language of instruction from French to English in 2008. Many of our teachers were brought up in the old French system so one of their greatest challenges is teaching an ever-changing curriculum in a language that is often not their first or even their second. Yet they embraced the training, showing an incredible ability to work around language difficulties.

Following the workshops we went into schools to complete a programme of coaching and support: observing the teachers and helping them to find and improve the areas of their practice which will have most impact. The schools were as I imagined: 40 to 50children crammed into small, dark classrooms, sitting at wooden desks, the only resources being a blackboard and chalk. Some had their own exercise books which were immaculate – not a page was wasted. I was

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 5

surprised how effective the teaching methods were. Children were engaged. They wanted to learn and were covering some complex topics compared with their British peers.

The teachers arrived at school very well presented and rightly proud to show us their classes. Teaching is a poorly paid job and LRTT, along with the Rwandan government, is working hard to increase its profile as a profession. I took a particular

interest in the primary teachers, being one myself. These teachers are expected to teach in two languages, Kinyarwanda and English, and work double shifts - teaching one set of children in the morning and a second set in the afternoons as the schools simply cannot accommodate everyone at the same time. This results in a working day of roughly ten hours excluding planning, preparation and marking time.

Rwanda has suffered many hardships, notably the genocide of 1994, but there is a powerful sense of optimism all across the country. For very little money and in very difficult conditions, these teachers ensure the next generation is well educated, tolerant and forward thinking. They welcomed us with open arms, wide smiles and heart-warming hugs. Nothing was too much to ask and everyone learnt a great deal from everyone else. The levels of respect grew exponentially throughout the project and I very much hope to stay in touch with as many of those I worked with as possible. I certainly learnt a great deal working with the Rwandan teachers. The project was mutually beneficial. I hope now that the project is able to continue to ensure an improvement in educational standards.

Hannah Radbourne Head of Year 5, Okehampton Primary School 5 18/10/2017 13:35

NOTICEBOARD

Working the land!

There can be few allotment plots in the UK that have such amazing views as those at Fatherford Road in Okehampton.

Owned by Okehampton United Charities (OUC), along with the allotments in North Street and Castle Road, they provide valuable space for people keen to ‘grow their own’ – and unlike allotments in many areas, the waiting list is not a long one.

Karen Percival, OUC clerk, said: ‘The North Street site is quite small, with only 13 plots, there are 23 in Castle Road and up here at Fatherford we have 30 and a few of these are split because they are quite big plots.’

Karen said the allotments at Fatherford were created about ten years ago; OUC owned the land that the Broad Park Estate was built upon and it was a condition of planning that new allotments should be created.

‘In the past it would be two or three years before you would be considered for a plot, but now I am getting people in within 18 months,’ explained Karen.

‘And the nice thing about the Fatherford Road allotments is we also have the community garden and Men in Sheds up here, so there’s a nice community feel and the views are stunning, particularly when the bluebells are out – you look across the valley and it’s completely blue.’

Karen said most of the plots at Fatherford had a garden shed and it was also possible to erect small polycarbonate greenhouses, although glass greenhouses were not permitted.

A whole plot measures 25 metres by ten metres on average and it costs £30 for a complete plot. Within the site there is also a small traditional Devon orchard.

Karen said: ‘It’s well documented that the health benefits of gardening, both physical and mental, are huge and I think the allotments are also very sociable places.’

Anyone interested in taking on an allotment in Okehampton should call Karen Percival on 01837 55179 or email clerk@ okehamptoncharities.org.uk

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NOTICEBOARD

Okehampton – Craon twinning celebration There was an abundance of ‘entente cordiale’ at the end of the summer, when a large contingent from Okehampton and surrounding villages travelled to the French town of Craon for a special 40th anniversary twinning celebration. They were joined by Craon’s other twin towns: Germany’s Buchenberg, who brought along their rousing brass band - wearing lederhosen and complete with five flugelhorns - and Hungary’s Iszkaszentgyӧrgy (pronounced Iska St George) who brought a delightful dance troupe, wearing beautiful Hungarian costumes. Okehampton’s splendid musical contribution to this international cultural visit was provided by members of West Devon Folk Choir from Wren Music – led by Paul Wilson and dance from the Cogs and Wheels Ladies’ Morris.

Throughout the weekend there were many opportunities to share music and dancing. It wasn’t long before Paul had large groups of all nationalities joining in his ‘Big Sings’ producing a strong bond and an emotional response from people who said ‘we suddenly felt part of a massive family’. Cogs and wheels, dressed in their ‘Raggies’, enthralled and delighted the audiences with their wonderful dances throughout the weekend in full costume, as everyone walked through the town in 30c+ heat!

The German Band also entertained with

music at intervals and the Hungarian dancers amazed us with their traditional dances. (Have you ever tried to whirl around with a half-full wine bottle on your head?!)

experiencing their individual hospitality and friendship, where good food, the odd glass of wine and a simple French/ English dictionary soon overcomes any language barrier!

One of the many highlights was the Saturday morning official ceremony in front of the town Hhall, with speeches from representatives of the four countries. Craon’s mayor Claude Gilet said: ‘I wish all twinnings and particularly ours, ever growing energy, broad-mindedness, creativity and sympathy, so that our friendship stays engraved forever in our hearts.’

Many of this year’s ‘first-timers’ from Devon will now stay in touch with twinning and play a fuller part. Paul will be sending sheet music and audio guides to Craon for young people to sing and so the entente cordiale and a sense of European identity will be strengthened.

There were also plenty of opportunities for socialising, both with our French hosts and the wider group and much eating and drinking. There is no better way of getting to know the real French than by staying in people’s homes and

The twinners look forward to hosting and entertaining their French friends next August. If you would like to know more about the Twinning Association, contact Nike Westman on 01837 52246 nikehariades@hotmail.com Robin & Edwina Hill

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See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 7

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NOTICEBOARD

New Service Manager for the RVS I’ve just started a new job and am being offered auto-enrolment for the first time. Do I have to join the scheme? I’m worried about meeting my living costs if I do.

Catherine Saunders has been appointed as the new service manager for the Home Library Service provided by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS). This service is on behalf of Libraries Unlimited who are responsible for the library service provision in Devon.

Even if retirement is a long way off, or you’ve got immediate costs you need to cover it’s still worth starting a pension.

Books, in a variety of formats, are delivered by volunteers to people who can no longer get to the library due to health, mobility or caring responsibilities.

‘Having been an avid reader all my life, using the library service from childhood, I feel not being able to have access to books in some format would leave a huge gap in my life,’ said Catherine.

In Okehampton Library, the Home Delivery Service (or Books on Wheels!) is organised by the RVS but relies too on the help of the local library staff. The team is always there to help the volunteers to find suitable books for clients. Okehampton has several volunteers who choose books for a variety of housebound clients and deliver books to them, and bring back books that are ready for return. Clients must be a member of the library, as books are taken out on the individual’s cards.

Home Delivery clients can keep books for longer than the normal load period, as volunteers visit fortnightly.

Okehampton mayor Jan Goffey is a volunteer with the Home Library Service. Jan said: ‘Not only is this a valuable service to book lovers who are housebound but also it serves as a contact point for the client. Sometimes the ‘library lady’ is the only person that client may see. Like all volunteering, the knowledge that you are helping in some small way to make someone’s life a little better is very rewarding.’

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in receiving books via the Home Library Service you can contact Catherine on 07786 635163, go to www. royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or call in to Okehampton Library.

They are a great way to save for the future and can offer you financial security once you’ve stopped working. They’re also good value for money as your contribution gets topped up by both your employer and the government.

If you’re worried that auto-enrolment will make it harder for you to keep up with your living costs ask your employer how much your monthly contribution will be. Then add up the cost of your monthly expenses and take this away from your income, which should include your pensions deduction.

It’s also worth seeing if you’re able to start receiving tax credits or a benefit such as Universal Credit to help with your living costs.

You will be automatically signed up to auto-enrolment so if you want to opt out you’ll need to tell your employer. Make sure you do this within one month to get a refund on the contribution you’ve made.

For further help and advice, contact your nearest Citizens Advice.

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

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NOTICEBOARD

Cogs and Wheels ladies’ Morris side seeks musicians and more dancers!

‘Rings on their fingers and bells on their toes, they shall have music wherever they go’ to misquote the old nursery rhyme. Cogs and Wheels are aware that their musicians, who faithfully play for every practice in the winter and every event in the summer, should be cherished, so they are looking for players, preferably acquainted with the Cotswold Tradition, to join them.

the winter months to practice ready for dancing out locally, including at Okehampton Show, during the summer months.

Look for Cogs and Wheels on Facebook for more information.

The side, together with their partners and supporters – known as ‘The Oily Rags’ because they keep the wheels turning – are a friendly group, well-known at local hostelries, folk festivals and other enjoyable events. They are even venturing as far as France this year with the Okehampton Twinning visit.

If you play melodeon, accordion, fiddle or other folk instrument, please get in touch with Mike Palmer on 01647 433464, email mike@ssmail.co.uk, and he will tell you more about the music and the dances.

And if you would like to dance with Cogs and Wheels, new members are also welcome! The side meets in South Zeal Victory Hall between 7.45pm and 10pm on Thursdays in

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NOTICEBOARD

Smart Meter Rollout Every home will have the opportunity to upgrade to a smart meter, at no extra cost, as part of the national smart meter rollout. The rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure.

Smart meters are the simple way to visualise your energy use.

They come with an in-home display that shows how much energy you’re using in pounds and pence, and enable accurate bills instead of estimates. Seven million smart meters have already been installed in the UK, providing customers with greater information relating to their energy use; every home is to be offered a smart meter by 2020. Smart meters replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes.

The Smart Energy GB in Communities fund is a central part of Smart Energy GB’s work to ensure everyone in Great Britain hears about smart meters and knows how to use them to get their gas and electricity under control. DARE (Devon Association for Renewable Energy), local energy experts, have received a grant to help spread the word about smart meters to people in the North Tawton area.

Kirsty Tooke, executive manager at DARE, said: ‘The aim of this project is to target the over 65’s that are without personal internet access, as this sector of the community are often the ones left in the dark and are not fully confident about new technology. We are of course happy to help answer anyone’s queries and provide them with information about the smart meter rollout. We will provide guidance and reassurance

regarding the rollout and try to allay any fears they might have so that they can fully embrace the changes taking place.’

DARE are completely independent and impartial and are not involved in the installation of smart meters. Kirsty added: ‘We want to offer objective advice to allow people to decide if a smart meter is right for them and dispel some of the myths surrounding this new technology.

‘This funding will allow DARE to educate, reassure and answer queries relating to getting a smart meter. Much of the information on smart meters is available online and we feel that everyone should have access to all the material so they can make an informed decision.’

DARE is a not for profit social enterprise that offers independent and impartial advice on all renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency matters. It works with local authorities, schools, churches, communities, businesses and individuals to help improve the local energy infrastructure.

Please contact DARE for more information on 01837 52600 or call in and see them at the Front Office, Okehampton Library, 4 North Street, Okehampton, EX20 1AR.

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NOTICEBOARD

New community centre opening soon Lifton’s eagerly anticipated new community centre is taking shape with a view to opening shortly.

Bookings enquiries are coming in thick and fast, ranging from sports, dance and exercise to pain management clinics, art, scouts and adult learning. Mandy Kenyon, one of the volunteers for Lifton Community Centre, said: ‘Despite a few technical set backs beyond our control, we are delighted with how the centre is coming along and are looking forward to holding an open day soon for everyone to come and have a look round.’

Dates for the opening of the centre will be published as soon as they become available. A new website will also be launched to enable bookings to be made online. Currently enquires can be made through www.liftonpc.org.uk

Support for Parkinson’s sufferers Mutual support and comfort plus tea and biscuits are on offer at the regular meetings of the Okehampton Parkinson’s Support Group, which meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Castle Ham Lodge.

Comprising two meeting rooms, a main hall and a kitchen, the centre will be available for local people and businesses to utilise for public and private events.

There is no charge for the meetings, which run from 2pm until 4pm. On all other Thursdays there is an exercise group for people with limited mobility.

A number of funders have helped support the project including the Big Lottery Fund, Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council and Waitrose. With final touches still to be added, the fundraising continues.

The group keeps up to date with all the latest research developments from Parkinson’s UK and on occasions there is a speaker on a Parkinson’s related subject. There are also organised group outings to such places as Tiverton Canal, Bicton Park, Coldharbour Woollen Mill and Rosemoor Gardens – all activities are subsidised and there is also a Christmas lunch to look forward to every year.

Tony Phillips, chairman of the community centre committee, said: ‘We now need to equip the centre with the furniture that our community has asked for. It was very clear from our consultation that any tables were to be light and sturdy so we are now seeking donations to top up a grant from Launceston Rotary Club to buy the best furniture to meet that requirement.’

The next two meetings are of the Okehampton Parkinson’s Support Group are on November 23 and December 28 – newcomers are very welcome. For more information call 01837 55813.

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01822 855685 / 07745 930192 See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 11

11 18/10/2017 13:35

SPORTS NEWS

Learning self defence the fun way Ronin Taijutsu, originally from London and the home counties, is now based in Okehampton with a 250-strong student base. This unique and effective martial art, originating from Japan more than 70 years ago, focuses on effective ju jutsu, self defence techniques and teaches the student to defend themselves from both a standing and a grounded position. Sessions take place at the Parklands Leisure Centre Sports Hall on Fridays. Self defense and martial arts are also taught at both Okehampton and Shebbear College.

Ronin Taijutsu is a dynamic martial art which uses natural body movements and avoidance techniques to evade or escape a would-be attacker. Applying simple techniques, the students are shown how to use their natural weapons eg feet, hands, elbows and knees to effectively take control of a situation with minimal damage to themselves and render the aggressor incapacitated to escape. Ronin Taijutsu is not a ‘sport’ art it allows for a smaller or weaker person to effectively defend themselves against a larger or stronger opponent!

At present on Fridays at the Parklands Leisure Centre the 4pm to 5pm session is for five to 12 year olds, who learn the basis of striking techniques, body skills and the principle of ground work and grappling fundamentals. Students are also taught antibullying techniques and dealing with grabbing attacks.

In the junior class, martial art games are used to encourage team building, develop eye to hand co-ordination, fitness levels and peer relationships.

syllabus of striking and ground fighting techniques with an emphasis on weapon defences and dealing with lifethreatening situations.

Not only are the students taught a lifesaving skill in being able to protect themselves, much of the session is also about developing the students’ confidence in being able to react under pressure and heightening students’ awareness of their surroundings.

Students have the option of grading (testing) within the belt system – there are nine belts to their black belt – which are held every six to nine months. New juniors and college students are warmly welcomed into the group. Please call 07857 871870 or visit www.ronin-taijutsu@hotmail.com for a free trial.

The second Friday session between 5pm and 6pm is aimed at students within the secondary school to university age group. In these lessons students cover a Bracken Tor House A beautiful countryside venue on edge of Dartmoor

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SPORTS NEWS

Fun, fast and buzzing!

My name is Wendy Raymond and I run sessions in Okehampton as a qualified Walking Netball Host.

At the beginning of 2017 having recovered from breast cancer, but unable to go back to traditional netball I was looking for a challenge. A friend mentioned that All England Netball was promoting Walking Netball. I looked on the internet to find out more, but was unsure what it was really about, so decided to find a session near me. I took my friend Angela along for moral support - we both had preconceptions of what to expect, but I can tell you it was nothing like we were expecting - it was fun, fast and buzzing!

Angela and myself spread the work that we were looking at starting a group, and we had so many ladies interested that we didn’t hang around. I spoke to Stuart Lord from OCRA and we agreed to have a couple of taster sessions and go from there.

We have been running Walking Netball sessions in Okehampton since March 2017; Okehampton is at the forefront of Walking Netball, being only the third area in Devon to set up such a group.

Twenty one ladies attended our two taster sessions. Their ages ranged from 30s to 60s, some hadn’t played any sport since they left school, but they quickly realised how much fun it was and that having a good time with good company made them feel better as well as the exercise they were getting.

Walking Netball provides low impact exercise with lots of fun for all ages. The rules follow the traditional seven-a-side game with only a few slight changes to make the game suitable for Walking Netball. Players are not allowed to run or jump but can take two steps. The aim of each session is to have fun as well as exercise and each player can play as much or as little as they like.

Sessions take place every Wednesday evening in Okehampton College sports hall. Each session costs £2 per player and due to high demand on the sports facilities the timings alternate each week – 7pm to 8pm one week and 6.30pm to 7.30pm the next.

If you are interested in playing or just finding out more information please contact Wendy on 07909 987485 to find out when our next session is and come along and give it a go - you won’t believe how much fun it is until you try it ...

Wendy Raymond

Lyndridge Community Care Providing a range of services and personal care for elders in their own homes to enable them to maintain independence Day Centres

Day centres in Hatherleigh, Okehampton, Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Crediton and Whiddon Down. Wheelchair friendly mini-bus available.

Additional services

We also offer meals on wheels (Okehampton only), respite care, bathing, laundry, day care, shopping, cleaning and a sitting service.

Supported Living

We can provide 24/7 care and support services for seniors within a range of homely settings in Okehampton and Crediton to actively encourage continued independent living.

We are registered with CQC, and all our staff are trained and checked to provide a quality service.

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 13

For further information visit

lyndridgecare.co.uk

or call Carol or Amanda

01837 54782

13 18/10/2017 13:36

LOCAL PEOPLE

Sam Bullingham A young farmer with a passion for the land and these stunning Jersey cows Shearing sheep in New Zealand, Australia, Greece and Iceland are worlds away from Dartmoor, but it’s all been invaluable experience for 26-year-old Sam Bullingham, who has this year embarked upon his own organic farming adventure near North Tawton.

After taking A-levels at Okehampton College, Sam, 26, took up an apprenticeship with the Moor Skills project, working on several Dartmoor farms, including stints with Okehampton farmers Martin Littlejohns and Philip Heard. Discovering a talent and love for shearing, he was fast tracked, enabling him to shear all summer in the UK. He then ventured further afield. ‘I did Australia before Christmas, New Zealand after Christmas, Greece in May – we did shear every day but they aren’t the hardest workers, after 2 o’clock nobody wanted to carry on – and in Iceland they shear twice a year, when they bring them in in November and before they let them out again in March,’ said Sam. Closer to home, Sam worked for a dairy farm in Bodmin before taking the plunge and setting up his own business with his partner, Katie. They rent a smallholding near North Tawton belonging to his grandmother along with a few acres of adjacent farmland and have set up a micro dairy.

‘I’ve always liked being master of my own destiny,’ said Sam, who is currently milking 15 Jersey and cross-bred Jersey cows at Taw River Dairy. The couple are slowly building up their milk supply lines and now, thanks to Leader grant funding through Greater Dartmoor Leaf, are making their own very delicious Jersey cream ice cream. It’s refreshing to hear a young person extol the benefits of full fat dairy products, after decades of accepted wisdom that the fatty stuff is bad for you! As Sam explains: ‘They are now saying these fats are good fats and that there is more sugar in semi skimmed milk than full fat.

Apparently heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes all have links to a special A1 protein, but none to the other protein found in milk, A2. Full milk is higher in A2. We’ve had our whole herd tested now and at least half of our cows are full A2 – hopefully by 2019 we will only producing A2 products.

‘Also grass-fed cows’ milk has higher levels of omega 3 and our milk has higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid or CLA, which has been linked with the reduction of some cancers, diabetes and heart disease.’

Enough of the science – quite apart from making gorgeous ice cream from his Jersey milk, his calves also get to stay with their mothers until they are weaned. ‘Nothing can rear a calf

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18/10/2017 13:36

LOCAL PEOPLE

as well as its mother – you can take the best cattle rearer in the country, but they won’t do a better job,’ said Sam. The cows are milked just once a day, producing between 2,500-3,000 litres a year – a mere drop in the churn in comparison with more intensive methods, where a cow might yield some 12,000 litres a year.

As to the organic system of producing milk, Sam is completely convinced of the benefits. ‘Our cows just eat grass, hay or silage. Bugs and insects can’t live in a monoculture, so we have things like chicory, plantain and clover growing in the grass. It gives variety within the sward, the plants grow at different times so you get better pollination and a lot of the plants are nitrogen fixing, so it’s self fertilising, which important for us, being organic. We have bees here as well, so it’s good for them to have a variety of flowers in the fields.’

There are plenty of hoops to go through, but Sam hopes the businesses will be officially certified as organic by next year.

‘I just feel we are custodians of the land to be honest. I think you have to look after it as well as you can, until the next person comes along,’ he said.

Jane Honey

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OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 16

18/10/2017 13:36

LOCAL PEOPLE

Linda Harper Green fingers for both soil and numbers leads to an extremely full life...

Linda Harper is certainly one busy lady. Since moving to Okehampton, she has thrown herself into the social and business life of the town, becoming chairman of the chamber of trade earlier this year, chair of the community garden and financial officer of OCRA – in addition to running her own book-keeping business!

It’s a far cry from being an aromatherapist and the designer of nightclub backdrops. As Linda said: ‘When I first left school my mum said “you should get qualified in something office-based’ and I said “no, I want to get into art or music” and I’ve ended up doing as she said – mothers are always right!

‘Back then I had a friend who was doing these backdrops using UV-based paints, which would shine out under a black light – they were very trendy in the 90s – it’s probably very old school now! I thought it looked like fun so I bought some paint and got involved. I never made much money but I had a great time!’

Linda, who is now 51, said having worked at ‘all sorts of things’, ultimately she decided to re-train, ending up with an AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification.

Originally from Aberdeen, there’s barely a trace of Scottish accent to be heard in Linda’s voice now. She moved to Okehampton from North Devon about four years ago and has three grown-up children – two daughters living in Manchester and Bristol and a son who lives much closer, in Dolton.

Arriving in the town and keen to get to know people and grow her own client base, she joined the chamber of trade – but within a short space of time was offered her current part-time job with OCRA. ‘I actually do less private work now because OCRA takes up so much of my time, but I love working for them – there’s a lot of flexibility, which is great – and the Pavilion is a gorgeous place to work – I love my job!’ said Linda with a big grin!

Always keen on growing, it seems inevitable that she would have gravitated towards Okehampton Community Garden, perched on the hill off Fatherford Lane, looking out to the splendour of North Dartmoor.

‘I’ve always messed around in my own garden. When I moved here my neighbour was involved at the time, when it wasn’t much more than a field. I probably spend as much as 2S0

hours a week up here, although a lot of it is at the weekend– it varies because it’s weather dependant. I come up with the intention of staying for a couple of hours and six hours later I go home! It’s a real anti-depressant. You can be here after a hard day and it takes your mind right off things. I find it very therapeutic.’

Linda said the community garden had about 100 members in total, with about 25 people spending time regularly growing vegetables, flowers and working on the upkeep of the site, which also has a polytunnel. There are plans to erect a substantial shed which will be used for mending and making and which will also provide a meeting place.

‘We have quite a friendly little community up here – the whole thing is as much about community as gardening really,’ said Linda. ‘We’ve had the primary school coming up, we have Duke of Edinburgh teenagers coming up to do voluntary work for their gold awards. The difference between this and allotments is that this is a joint effort – we water each other’s patches, which is very handy if you want to go on holiday – and we share what we grow.

‘I think it’s a project which has so much potential. It’s been slow moving forwards but I think we just need to keep chipping away at it. I don’t mind working up here on my own, I am quite happy pottering away and being the face of the garden until the garden finds it’s own face.’

Jane Honey 17

OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 17

18/10/2017 13:36

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OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 18

18/10/2017 13:36

LOCAL PEOPLE

Bernard McNelis A solar pioneer still passionate about clean energy Professor Bernard McNelis has travelled the world through his career in the solar energy industry. A man ahead of his time back in the 1970s, when photovoltaic cells were only made to power satellites and were hugely expensive, the young chemistry graduate from Liverpool recognised that harnessing the sun’s energy could change lives in developing countries, producing clean water and electricity.

Bernard, 67, said: ‘I read an article which talked about batteries being charged by the sun and thought “Wow, this sounds incredible!” I went to my boss and said “We ought to be doing this”.’ Being, as he explained, a persistent sort of bloke, Bernard was eventually given a small budget to research solar energy and by 1974 he became one of the founding members of the International Solar Energy Society, headed by Nobel prize winner Professor Sir George Porter.

Bernard spent his 20s as a consultant to a host of international bodies including the World Health Organisation and World Bank – ‘I was an expert on solar energy – that was because there weren’t any experts then!’ – and founded his own company, IT Power, with two other colleagues. ‘In some countries, the very first solar panels were smuggled in by us,’ said Bernard. ‘I spent most of my time either running round the world doing projects or getting governments to use this technology and move away from burning coal and oil and as the industry developed, these things began to get cheaper and cheaper.’

Now this international globetrotter is happily settled in deepest West Devon, where his expertise is being focussed join his own home – Eversfield Manor at Bratton Clovelly.

When Bernard, his wife Li and two young children arrived in Bratton four years ago, the manor was leaking badly. Bernard said: ‘We virtually camped here while we discovered how much work was needed. The roof was the worst, none of the windows closed, the heating didn’t work and we had pools of water in the cellar. We had builders in the attic and the basement and they filled in all the gaps between!’

The manor was built in the early 1800s and has the typical large windows and high ceilings of a sizeable property of that era. Now however, it has been clad with insulation on the

south and west sides, so that when the sun shines through the newly replaced windows, it warms the walls up which retain that heat. On the north and east sides, the insulation is on the inside of the house. A stunning conservatory runs the length of the western end of the house, looking out over the valley, the roof of which is covered with small photovoltaic cells. Even on a dull day, they are absorbing and storing energy from the sun and when the sun does shine, they protect the conservatory from becoming overheated, eliminating the need for blinds.

Outbuildings at the manor are also being converted to the same, energy efficient specifications, a biomass boiler is used for heating and a swimming pool is being dug, the water for which will be heated by special glass tubes.

Bernard, who picks and chooses his jobs these days, became chairman of Bratton Clovelly Parish Council three years ago – a job he didn’t entirely expect when he stood in the parish elections. ‘I’d never been on a council or anything like that, I had no experience of that sort of thing at all, I just hoped I could be useful,’ he said. He and Li are also pleased to support local organisations such as Treetops Nursery in Bridestowe and Bratton Clovelly Music and Art Festival, by hosting events at Eversfield.

Life is now very different for the Liverpool lad brought up in a council house. But Bernard retains his vision for the future. ‘The way the prices are coming down with evolving technologies gives me confidence we will eventually be able to get rid of coal, oil and nuclear,’ he said. ‘I probably won’t see it, but one of these days, the world will run on solar and tidal power.’

Jane Honey 19

OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 19

18/10/2017 13:36

SCHOOL NEWS EDUCATION

Times are a-changing at South Tawton Primary Children enjoy their new buildings and say some fond farewells This September saw pupils and staff moving into our third year of occupying our ‘New Build’ and still revelling in the new space and facilities the building gives us.

Many members of the community will remember (and even have been taught in!) the mobile classrooms which spread across the playground and used to house years 2 to 5. Nowadays, while we’re still a split site across the quiet Tawton Lane, Years 3, 4 and 5 are taught in a row of new classrooms which end in our new school hall.

Year 2 have moved into the old school hall and joined year 6 in the original Victorian school building. Years R and 1 are alongside in a purpose-built building.

Improvements to the classroom environment have invigorated staff and pupils alike: expectations for progress and behaviour are high and the children consistently rise to meet these challenges.

We are fortunate in the location of our school buildings and aim to maximise our beautiful surroundings - our school field overlooks Cosdon Beacon. Alongside our new build, we have recently installed a newly constructed mud kitchen area and nature space, which has proved very popular with children of all ages.

With Christmas in the forefront of people’s minds, I am pleased to be stocking some of the “must have” educational toys including Orchard Toys, Magformers, ELC, Fisher Price, Meccano, Lego Technic, Hex Bugs and Discovery Kids.

A great range of family games are in the shop - Giggle Wiggle, Mr Bucket, Dobble, Monopoly Gamer, Trivial Pursuit 2000s, Cribbage and Catan, to name a few.

A first for The Toy Shop this Christmas is introducing the House of Marbles, so come in and see what wonderful surprises are in my store!

See you soon!

18 Red Lion Yard, Okehampton EX20 1AW 20 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 20

01837 52368

The last academic year ended with us having to say goodbye to Mrs Poustie, who was headteacher for the last eleven years. We also bid farewell to Nan Passmore who retired after 17 years on the school staff, but had a much longer association with the school – she first came to South Tawton as a reception pupil aged five! Before the year 6 pupils left, they collaborated with year 5 to put on an amazing production of Deadly Dartmoor – a Horrible Histories-based extravaganza of traditional dance, story-telling, song and drama. The creation, writing and production of this was entirely the pupils’ own work and ensured a huge depth of learning about our local area for performers and audience alike! Other key moments were the Year 6 five-day residential to Yorkshire including visits to York, Bradford and a ride on the SettleCarlisle railway, sunshine on sports’ Dday and a fantastic barbecue and summer fayre run by our PTA. With the new academic year comes new leadership. Liz Wiseman, who is also the head of Chagford Primary School, has joined us as executive headteacher,

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SCHOOL EDUCATION NEWS

while I, as the former year 6 teacher have taken over as head of school. Both of us are delighted to be part of the leadership team of the school and are filled with ideas to ensure an enjoyable and successful educational experience for all of our pupils. Alongside their older peers, the new reception children have settled in quickly and seem to be enjoying their early years education.

In September 2016, the governing body set up Little Beacons - our governor run pre-school. We are proud of our ability to offer pre-school care for two to four-year-olds from 9am to 3pm during term time. We provide a popular and thriving early-years setting with regular opportunities to visit the primary school - ensuring a smooth transition to school when the time comes. Whilst the preschool is based in the spacious village hall, the children also use many of the school facilities and regularly visit the local park.

The safety and well-being of our pupils is of paramount importance and we have a number of events running throughout the year to support this. Amongst these, the year 6 children attend an afternoon of Lifeskills training, we run regular fire and e-safety programmes and invite visitors in to talk to the children about their experiences and work within the community. We are aware that, given our rural location, the children have limited experience of different cultures

and faiths and are seeking to address this and foster an atmosphere of celebration and acceptance of difference through, amongst other things, weekly multi-cultural assemblies and a themed week.

South Tawton has always been proud of the sporting prowess and sportsmanship shown by our pupils. Classes regularly visit Okehampton college to participate in a variety of sporting festivals with children from other local schools.

This enables our pupils to meet and collaborate with others in our learning community. We also participate in a wide range of local competitions and tournaments where the children have the opportunity to participate in competitive sports.

Staff and parents give generously of their time to provide additional

We are a friendly and inclusive school – if you would like further information or a tour, please contact us on 01837 840242.

Sarah Marvin Head of South Tawton Primary School

Liz Wiseman Executive Headteacher

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See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 21

learning and enrichment experiences in after-school clubs which run weekly throughout the year. There is also the opportunity for peripatetic musical instrument lessons on site. The children enjoy performing their skills in weekly singing assemblies, musical concerts and termly drama productions.

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www.koast.co.uk 21 18/10/2017 13:36

CHARITY FOCUS

Here to Help...

Tor Support Services - a charity with young people at its heart.

Growing up can be complicated at the best of times. A listening ear, objective and constructive support and complete confidentiality can all improve the passage to adulthood immeasurably when times get tough. This is where Tor Support Services (TSS) in Okehampton provides a vital helping hand to youngsters between the ages of five and 25.

Based at the Community Centre in Okehampton College, TSS was formed in 2009. Amazingly, for a charity that currently provides support for some 200 youngsters a year, it receives no support from the public purse and exists completely on charitable donations. The majority donations come from Children in Need, with additional help from Okehampton United Charities and the Police and Crime Commission along with numerous smaller, local donations.

Ten professionally qualified counsellors work for TSS, eight of them volunteers – one of whom is a dedicated child sexual abuse counsellor, funded through the Women for Change charity. TSS also now has three counselling rooms; the third recently came into use thanks to major support from Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council. Each room is fully equipped, enabling play-based and arts-based person-centred and integrated counselling and therapy - anything to help a young person open up and explore whatever issues they are facing. The base is open between 11.30am until 4.30pm four days a week. TSS is working towards a full 52-weeks a year service, recognising the need that exists in a large rural area like Okehampton.

Trustee, Theresa Weaver, said: ‘Our referrals come from eleven feeder primary schools and Okehampton College. Referrals also come from parents, doctors, social workers, teaching assistants and we often get self referrals too.’

The issues faced by TSS’s young clients are varied and complex - ranging from domestic violence, bereavement, sexual and physical abuse, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), bullying, and self harming, to stress and anxiety.

Theresa said: ‘It really is shocking when you learn of some of the conditions and situations that young people in our community find themselves in. Often a child will be referred for one reason, but when they come in, they want to talk about something quite different.’

Debbie Andrews, joint co-ordinator and counsellor, explained that anxiety was possibly the most common condition affecting young people but that a huge range of triggers was responsible. ‘It can arise from so many different things. Social media has a huge part to play in this, with its 24/7 availability, and there is a great deal of pressure on young people, whether it’s body image, exam results, peer pressure, social expectations and much more.

‘The stigma around mental health issues is gradually dissipating, with it being covered so readily by all forms of the media with young people being far more open and prepared to talk and see somebody about their issues.

With Prince Harry earlier this year admitting to having counselling after the loss of his mother, this had a very positive impact on young people in general.’

The young people that come through TSS’s doors will receive eight, 50 minute sessions, with a dedicated counsellor, always

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CHARITY FOCUS

the same person, in order to build up a positive, trusting relationship. If necessary, the counselling sessions can be extended.

As Theresa said: ‘Problems need to be caught early. They can have a massive knock-on effect on society if not. I do think it’s something that’s beginning to be recognised, but sadly it hasn’t been turned into funding yet.

There’s actually no statutory obligation to provide counselling in schools in England. Okehampton is incredibly lucky to have this service and the college is

Donations from Waitrose and Okehampton United Charities

very aware of this – we have a very reciprocal arrangement.

‘I just want people in this community to know we are here and for young people to know there is a supportive place they can come. Nobody should ever have to keep their problems inside or hidden away.’

For more information about Tor Support Services, call 01837 53668 or 07886 444263, email coordinators@ torsupportservices.co.uk or go to www. torsupportservices.org.uk to see how you can make a donation or become a sponsor.

Jane Honey

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See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 23

Caring for People in the Community

23 18/10/2017 13:36

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OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 24

18/10/2017 13:36

HEALTH HEALTH & WELLBEING & BEAUTY

The Men ACWY Vaccine What is the Men ACWY vaccine?

The Men ACWY vaccine is highly effective in preventing illness caused by the four different strains of the meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis and blood poisoning (Septicaemia). The Men ACWY vaccination is being offered to teenagers and also first-time college and university students who haven’t already had the vaccination.

Why should teenagers and students should have the Men ACWY vaccination?

Cases of meningitis and septicaemia caused by a highly virulent strain of Men W bacteria have been increasing from 22 in 2009 to 210 in 2015/16. The increase is almost entirely due to the aggressive Men W strain. Although rare, it can spread rapidly and cause serious illness. With early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment most people make a full recovery but one in three teenagers with Men W have died as a result of the disease. Recent cases of this have been in the news including that of the death of an 18-year-old student at the Boardmasters festival in Cornwall.

Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their noses and throats.

The bacteria can spread from person to person by prolonged close contact such as coughing, kissing or sneezing. Anyone who is eligible for the men ACWY vaccine should have it, even if they’ve previously had the Men C vaccine.

At what age should teenagers and young people have the vaccine?

Children aged 13 to 14 (school year 9) are being offered the Men ACWY vaccine in school as part of the routine adolescent schools programme, alongside the 3-in-1 teenager booster, and as a direct replacement for the Men C vaccination.

In addition, anyone born after September 1, 1996 who missed their routine school vaccination in years 9 and 10 or the catchup Men ACWY vaccination can get their vaccine from their GP up to their 25th birthday. This is also the case for students going to university or college for the first time, including overseas and mature students who have not had the Men ACWY vaccine.

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 25

How to spot meningitis and septicaemia All meningococcal infections can come on suddenly and progress very quickly. Early symptoms of meningococcal disease can include: Severe headache Diarrhoea/vomiting Neck stiffness Severe muscle pain Fever Cold hands and feet Drowsiness, difficulty to wake up A rash of tiny red pinpricks may also develop once septicaemia has set in. This rash dose not fade undress pressure – for instance, when gently pressing a glass against it (‘the glass test’).

If you, or a child or adult you know, has any of these symptoms seek urgent medical advice. Don’t wait for the rash to develop.

Early diagnosis and treatment is vital.

Other vaccines against meningitis and septicaemia A number of bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia, some of which can be prevented through vaccination. The Hib/Men C vaccine is offered as part of the NHS vaccination programme to all babies after their first birthday. The Men B vaccine is offered as part of the NHS childhood vaccination to all babies at 8 and 16 weeks with a booster at their first birthday. The Men ACWY vaccine is currently recommended for teenagers as they are most likely to carry the meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throats. The vaccine helps protect them and it also stops them carrying and spreading the bacteria to other people which in turn helps to protect others, including babies and older people.

Dr Chapman Okehampton Medical Centre

25 18/10/2017 13:36

“Personal Care Services in the comfort of your own home” At HomeLife Carers we pride ourselves on offering a local, friendly service dedicated to providing you with the quality, professional Personal Care service you truly deserve in the comfort of your own home.

Our services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to a wide range of people throughout the community, and include: • Personal Care Services • Preparation of Meals • Respite Care • Live-in Care • Night Care • Home Help & Domestic Services • Sitting Services So if you would like to know more about our services, call us today for a brochure, or to speak to a member of our team to see how we can help you, or your loved ones, continue to enjoy the comforts of that all important place, home.

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OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 26

18/10/2017 13:36

HEALTH HEALTH & WELLBEING & BEAUTY

Death: Shall we talk?

Carol Barkwill of Lyndridge Care in Okehampton offers her thoughts on end of life care

‘Death is the only event which we can predict with absolute certainty and yet it is the event about which the majority of human beings refuse to think at all until faced with the imminent and personal issue.’

Alice A Bailey – “Bethlehem to Calvary” When you are young, death seems terrible because it sounds like you don’t get any more life, but after mid-life, death becomes something you accept as inevitable and sometimes welcome, even if its timing might not be exactly what you would wish for.

But as you get older, life’s horizons narrow and it’s almost as if being alive is no longer necessary dreams are no longer in the future, they are either in the past or will never be. Often, you stay alive for other people, but you might not want to have to do it forever.

People face death in many different ways some feel self-pity and regret about what they have to leave behind/what they are relinquishing, while others face it with courage, making the best of time left and continuing to create memories to the end. Others are in denial and hide themselves from the inevitable, leaving themselves helpless and unable to do more than simply die.

Experience with them what has been most important in their lives. What is precious. How do they feel? What do they want?

You may be surprised. A three times married lady I spoke to of ‘loss’ in her life was relieved her husband died - but was very affected by the death of her pet possum!

Paint the picture of your end. Are you prepared to undergo pain and treatment if you are disabled at the end of it but can still function?

Listen, talk and help with some honest planning. Talk about it now when you are well and strong. Sit down and plan the what if’s?

There are lots of different mechanisms to help record your wishes, some formal such as a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney, Deputyship, Treatment Escalation Plan and Resuscitation Decisions. Yet some can be less formal such as a Living Will, or a Wish List.

Who will decide how and where I die?

YOU. Make those choices now.

Carol Barkwill Lyndridge Care, Okehampton

Often, people facing imminent death have more time to process the idea about death and dying and may be more accepting. They also have a clear idea about the details, which may bring a sense of peace or acceptance both to them and the ones they leave behind.

The medical model of death is about trying to keep you alive at all odds. It is a clinical set of proceedings, full of routine that cuts us off from all the things that matter most - our children, cats, dogs and personal Items - things that really matter.

The task is helping people overcome the anxiety of death.

So the question everyone needs to ask is: ‘What is most important to you?’

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 27

27 18/10/2017 13:36

GARDENING

Gardening jobs for winter Tidy the garden Avoid treading on bare ground and compacting it. Frost will make soil difficult to be dug over and it’s best left well alone, as the ground will already be saturated with water.

Remove any fallen branches, sticks and heavy debris from beds to keep plants dry and airy, sweep paths and remove leaves from lawns to prevent killing grass. Where leaves are not too deeply laden in beds, leave these to the earthworms to take down to their burrows and recycle. Bamboos that shed leaves can be left unless they get too unsightly, as these contain silica - a useful nutrient for bamboo. Remove leaves from around rose bushes to minimise risk of re-infection from rust and blackspot. Algae build-up on patios and terraces can be removed with a power hose.

Pruning, lifting and division Cut away any remaining dead wood. Fruit trees, climbers, deciduous hedges, roses and shrubs can be pruned in November. Wisterias will benefit from a late prune - you want two or three buds on the current season’s growth.

Herbaceous perennials can be cut back to remove yellowing foliage. Some foliage on certain plants however make interesting skeletal structures until February/March and a useful hibernacula for beneficial insects as well as seeds for birds. Oversized clumps can be lifted and divided using two forks back to back to tease apart roots and replant. This will invigorate and keep plants healthy.

If you haven’t already done so, in colder areas, late flowering bulbs, corms and rhizomes such as cannas and dahlias should be lifted, inspected for rot, cleaned of soil, dried and stored in a dry cool place in barely-damp wood vermiculite or multipurpose compost, ready for next year.

Planting In November, spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips can still be planted out in the ground and hyacinth bulbs planted in containers for next year. It’s also not too late to plant out or create hanging baskets of heather, cyclamen, violas, winter pansy, grasses and ivy for a splash of instant winter colour.

Bare rooted stock including hedges, trees and roses can be planted out. If soil is sticky and wet or frosted or under snow, they can be simply heeled in. Peas and broad beans can be sown in pots under cover. Hard wood cuttings can be taken and planted out.

Protection In cold areas, a layer of fleece can be placed around plants not brought inside, to insulate against frost and severe winter weather. Exotic plants such as tree ferns will need the crown protected if left outside from late October-March. The hardiest of these are Dicksonia fibrosa and Dicksonia Antarctica, hardy to -12ºC (10ºF). The tree fern should be in a sheltered position out of wind and in shade or semi-shade, not direct sunlight.

The ring of fronds at the top of the trunk forms a funnel that

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See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 28

28 18/10/2017 13:36

GARDENING

leads down into the trunk as low as the meristem (the bud tissue in the crown). This funnel will readily collect water and form ice. To prevent this from happening it can be stuffed with straw to about 15cm above the top of the trunk. In mild winters this will protect trunks 1.2m or taller.

For shorter plants, in addition to the straw, wrapping an insulating material around the top of the trunk is recommended. For this, a belt of polystyrene plant trays, tied together and cushioned from the trunk with more straw is effective - the straw is stuffed behind the tray and keeps them secure. Tying a circular piece of polystyrene over the crown also helps to divert rainwater away from the meristem. Do not cut off any old fronds until new growth has unrolled in the spring, and even then, it is best to remove only the really scruffy ones. In the natural state, each frond tends to last for up to four years, but may spend its last year hanging down as a ‘skirt’ around the top of the trunk. If you are in a cold area where you could get frosts in the winter, the skirt of dead and half-dead fronds provides some protection to the crown, which is the vulnerable part Less hardy tree ferns such as Cyathea dealbata and Cyathea medularris could possibly tolerate going down to -3ºC for a short time, but a prolonged spell at this temperature will cause it to fail. These tree ferns should be brought indoors.

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See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 29

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18/10/2017 13:36

FARMING DIARY

A concert for cattle?

Stuart Luxton entertains in the cow shed!

Hello again everyone, I’m sorry about my predictions for a good summer, it seems that since the end of July we have had what can at best only be described as unsettled. Luckily the weather is set to improve - in May - I’m not sure which May though!

All our cattle are now housed for the winter, it’s not quite the same for them compared with a green field, but a roof overhead and a dry winter bed is not to be sneezed at when you live on the edge of Dartmoor. I was disappointed to be told by one of my good customers that she had been told, by an acquaintance, our animals are kept in poor conditions.

We are very proud of our farming and animal husbandry. If anyone ever wants to look around please come to the shop, see me and I will take you to have a look.

We don’t grow much corn but I have felt sorry for the farmers in our area who do.

The harvest season was a very trying time with the wet weather causing no end of problems and adding so many costs to the whole harvest process. For most arable farms I’m sure it is a year they would rather forget At the end of September, we were very proud to have been asked to host an

open day and party on the farm for the South West Aberdeen Angus Society.

We were visited by like-minded farmers from Wiltshire to Cornwall. There was much preparation to be done and we tried to make all the animals look their best. This involved washing, blowdrying and haircuts for some of them, as can be seen in the photo. We ended up finishing the evening off with a jazz band in the cow shed - I’m not convinced that the cows were as impressed as I thought they might have been!

there are no animals to graze the moor it would quickly become overgrow - it would take lots of strimmer’s to do the work of a flock of moorland sheep.

Unkempt hedgerows and fields lying empty would not make happy viewing.

Let’s hope those in power remember the rural economies and farmers, and don’t sacrifice us for commercial enterprises.

Christmas is now just around the corner.

People will be deciding where to spend their Christmas day, who to spend it with and what kind of meal they will be having. If I had a choice, it would be goose and beef with all the trimmings and a fresh fruit salad to follow. When it comes to your Christmas meal, spare a thought for the farmers who have produced it. Our government is currently negotiating trade deals and the exit of Europe. There could be far-reaching consequences to our farmers if a poor deal is reached.

Stuart Luxton

Many of the world’s successful civilisations of the past were based around food security, the Egyptians, the Incas from South America and the Khmer civilization from Cambodia to name but a few. They were all successful because they could feed their populations.

Currently as a nation we barely produce 50% of our own food. A poor deal for British agriculture could see this figure plummet. There would also be far-reaching effects on the picturesque landscape that we love. For instance, if

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 31

I would also like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I hope 2018 will be great for everyone.

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WHAT’S ON

REGULARS

Okehampton EX20 1AR 01837 52805 okehampton.library@librariesunlimited. org.uk www.devonlibraries.org.uk

FOURTH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH PARKINSON’S SUPPORT Okehampton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month between 2pm and 4pm at Castle Ham Lodge, Okehampton. Tea, biscuits and mutual support and comfort are on offer – newcomers welcome. For more information call 01837 55813.

November

SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH MACULAR SUPPORT Okehampton Macular Support Group meetings are held from 10am to noon at the Ockment Centre, North Street, Okehampton.

OKEHAMPTON LIBRARY Tuesdays, 10am to 10.30am Bounce & Rhyme for over 1 year olds; 11am to 11.30am for under one year olds. Free, no booking necessary; 1st Tuesday of the month, 4pm until 5pm, Book Club for ages seven to eleven, free, no booking necessary; Wednesdays 10am until 10.45am, Storytime & Duplo Builders for under fives, free, no booking necessary; Saturdays 10.30am until 11.30am Lego Builders for ages 5+ – free, no booking necessary. Book Track for ages 6+ during library opening hours free, ask staff for further details. Children under 8 must be accompanied to all events by a responsible adult. Okehampton Library, 4 North Street,

10 NOVEMBER QUIZ AND PUDDING EVENING At Sampford Courtenay Village Hall. Teams of up to five £5, plus £5 per person to sample the puddings! The event begins at 7.30pm – please bring your own drink. To book a team ring Deborah (01837 82743) or Marilyn (01837 851269).

10 NOVEMBER GOOD TOONS! Join Graham Crocker and Brian Higbee as they perform at St Bridget’s Church in Bridestowe at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6, with proceeds going to the Friends of St Bridget’s. Refreshments kindly served by Bridestowe Queen Bees. For tickets call 01837 861194 or 07976 547412.

10 NOVEMBER MACULAR SUPPORT GROUP This month’s meeting welcomes Steve Hyde, the RNIB Regional Assistant Campaigns Officer who will update members on current RNIB Campaigns and how the RNIB supports people with low vision. The meeting starts at 10am and finishes at noon. For information about the group please call Judy on 01837 52365.

11 NOVEMBER CRAFT FAIR A wide variety of exhibitors will be at the fair being staged at Belstone Village Hall - everything from soaps and ceramics to jewellery and woodwork – and there will also be refreshments and snacks available.

The craft fair takes place between 10.30am and 4.30pm and entrance is free.

Proceeds to hall funds.

11 NOVEMBER COFFEE MORNING The Lions Club of Okehampton will be holding a fundraising coffee morning in Okehampton Charter Hall between 9am and noon - all welcome!

11 NOVEMBER HATHERLEIGH CARNIVAL A fantastic day, starting with the famous flaming barrels being rolled through the town, an amazing procession, music and entertainment. See What’s On Extra for more information.

12 NOVEMBER DROGO 10 RUN A challenging 10 mile race through the grounds of Castle Drogo. See Page 46 for more information.

13 NOVEMBER JAZZ NIGHT The regular second Tuesday of the month jazz evening takes place at the Clovelly Inn, Bratton Clovelly from 8.30pm. For details call 01837 871447.

Christmas on the Moors at the Tors Inn A warm Christmas welcome awaits you at this wonderful moorland inn, as you cross the cattle grid into a world of livestock and the famous Dartmoor ponies roaming free.

Kevin, Emma, Amelia and our wonderful team look forward to welcoming you over the Christmas festive season and throughout the year. See the website for our special Christmas menu.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

01837 840 689 • Belstone EX20 1QZ • information@thetorsinn.co.uk • www.thetorsinn.co.uk 32 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 32

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WHAT’S ON

16 & 17 NOVEMBER BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU FESTIVAL Live French music, a French menu and of course, Beaujolais Nouveau are on offer at the Oxenham Arms in South Zeal this weekend. Contact 01837 840244 for more information.

17 NOVEMBER OLDE BELSTONE Enjoy stories and images from the Belstone Community Archive with Chris Walpole at 7.30pm in Belstone Village Hall. Refreshments will be available.

Donations invited for hall funds.

17 NOVEMBER HISTORY TOUR Step back in time as Sue Murray, proprietor of Lewtrenchard Manor at Lewdown, takes visitors on a tour of this historic manor house, once the home of the famous Rev Sabine Baring Gould.

The tour and talk costs £25 per person to include welcome refreshments and lunch.

Call 01566 783222 for more information.

18 NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS FAYRE In aid of St Bridget’s Church, Bridestowe, the fayre will take place in the village hall. Anyone who has DVDs or books they would like to donate for the stalls should take them to the hall on the morning of the fayre.

talk takes place at Stowford Parish Hall at 7.30pm. Further information from 01566 783396.

18 NOVEMBER ST CLEMENT’S DAY The patron saint of blacksmiths is celebrated at Finch Foundry in Sticklepath.

See page 45 for more information.

18 NOVEMBER MOUNT KELLY CHORAL SOCIETY The society will perform Magnificat by John Rutter and the Ode for St Cecilia’s Day by Handel, featuring soloist soprano Catherine Hamilton and accompanist Mary Mazur Park at St Eustachius’ Church in Tavistock at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 (U18s free) are available from Bookshop in Tavistock and from reception at Mount Kelly. Musical director for the concert will be Julian Jenson.

19 & 26 NOVEMBER SUNDAY MARKET The Sunday Charter Hall markets make a welcome return to Okehampton in the run-up to Christmas. See What’s On Extra for more information.

21 NOVEMBER CHARLES HALL – THE KARL MARX OF LEWTRENCHARD? Lewdown Past (Lewdown local history group) host Dr Martin McDonagh with an illustrated talk about the life of this unsung local hero. A doctor by profession, he lived in Lewtrenchard parish and Tavistock around two centuries ago. His theories on the social inequalities of the time influenced Marx and still ring true. The

25 NOVEMBER ROTARY COFFEE MORNING In addition to coffee, tea, cakes and savouries there will be a raffle, tumble and a range of table stalls supporting charities such as Community Heartbeat , the UKs leading community defibrillator charity and Pilgrim Bandits, which supports disabled service personnel. A highlight of the morning will be a performance of Christmas songs by Okehampton Primary School choir mid morning - all welcome.

The coffee morning runs from 9am to noon.

25 NOVEMBER MARINERS AWAY The popular singers return to Sampford Courtenay Village Hall for another evening of Shanties and songs. Tickets are £8 per head, food is included and there will also be a bar. Tickets from Deborah TaylorMorris on 01837 82743, Nicky Courage on 01837 880300 or Marilyn Weeks on 01837 851269.

25 NOVEMBER BUMPER JUMBLE SALE At Bridestowe Village Hall at 1pm. Lots of bargains to be found and delicious bacon baps for sale. Proceeds for the village hall.

26 NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS BAZAAR A wide variety of Christmas crafts and

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Tel: (01647) 441174 www.dartmoormagazine.co.uk See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 33

33 18/10/2017 13:36

gifts will be available at this friendly event in Belstone Village Hall. Tea and cake will be on offer at the bazaar which starts at 11am and runs until 3pm. All profits will go towards village hall funds.

29 NOVEMBER - 23 DECEMBER ORIGINAL GIFTS EXHIBITION A fantastic selection of beautiful arts and crafts at The Plough, Torrington, open Tuesdays to Saturdays. For more information see What’s On Extra.

December 1 DECEMBER HONEYCHURCH FUNDRAISING QUIZ Come and exercise the grey matter at this event being held in Sampford Courtenay Village Hall at 7.30pm – all proceeds will go towards St Mary’s Church, Honeychurch. Teams of up to five people, entry £5 per person which includes cheese and biscuits. To book a table please ring 01837 851269. Drinks will be available.

2 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING The Inner Wheel Club of Okehampton invite you to enjoy a mince pie and coffee at their event in the Charter Hall, Okehampton between 10am and noon.

There will also be a raffle, tombola, cake sales and stalls, with all proceeds going to local charities.

2 DECEMBER COFFEE MORNING Okehampton Lions Club are holding a coffee morning in conjunction with North Tawton Brownies in the town hall in North Tawton. Also included at the event will be the announcement by Brown Owl regarding the brownies’ annual awards and a donation will be made to the group by the Lions Club. The coffee morning takes place between 10am and noon.

2 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS BINGO Organised by Bridestowe Queen Bees in the village hall - a ‘must be there’ evening!

3 DECEMBER CRAFT FAIR More than 30 stalls will be available to browse through at this event, being held in Bratton Clovelly Parish Hall between noon and 4pm. Christmas gifts and goods, decorations, wreaths, cakes, jewellery, children’s goods, crafts, toys, cards – all you need to get ready for the festive season. Free entry.

3 DECEMBER WINTER FAYRE Pick up your Christmas tree and do some shopping at Lydford Gorge’s Winter Fayre, which will include a range of local suppliers and producers. The fayre runs from 11am until 3pm - free entry to all.

3 & 10 DECEMBER SUNDAY MARKET The Sunday Charter Hall markets make a welcome return to Okehampton in the run-up to Christmas. See What’s On Extra for more information.

7 DECEMBER EDWARDIAN EVENING Enjoy late night shopping in Okehampton with a unique Christmas atmosphere – an event not to be missed! See What’s On Extra for more information.

8 DECEMBER MACULAR SUPPORT GROUP Local mindfulness practitioner Paula Martin will be explaining how mindfulness can help with the daily frustration of life with low vision. The meeting takes place at the Ockment Centre between 10am and noon. For information about the group please call Judy on 01837 52365.

8 DECEMBER MAGIC AND ILLUSIONS Imagine the quirky style of Willy Wonka and the passionate confidence of Michael Flatley’s dance, mixed together with the unique magical talents of David Copperfield – an unusual mix that makes, but it may bring you closer to a vision of Mr Eurius, appearing at Roadford Lake.

Tuck in to a two course meal and enjoy up close magic throughout the night. There will also be a disco and a 50 minute magic show, all for just £25 per person! Perfect

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34 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 34

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WINTER HIGHLIGHTS AT THE PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE

WHAT’S ON

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

WINTER 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!

Thurs 2 Nov 8pm

Fri 3 Nov 8pm

Tues 7 Nov 8pm

Fri 10 Nov 8pm

Fri 10 Nov 8pm

John Illsley (from Dire Straits) & his Band

The Paperboys + Support: Sara Jane Scouten

Lemn Sissay ‘Something Dark’:

The Baghdaddies

Dramatic Script plus Q&A

Jim Crawford at The George Hotel, South Molton

Sat 11 Nov 8pm

Tues 21 Nov 8pm

Fri 24 Nov 8pm

Sat 25 Nov 8pm

Quirk Theatre present ‘Lucy And The Lost Ones’

Wed 29 Nov - Sat 2 Dec

Judie Tzuke

Formby (Theatre with Music)

Harri Endersby ThePlough@St. Anne’s Barnstaple

Thunderbridge Bluegrass Band at The George Hotel, South Molton

Sat 2 Dec 8pm

Sun 3 Dec 7:30pm

Tues 5 Dec 8pm

Thurs 7 Dec 7pm

Friday 8 Dec 8pm

Emily Maguire at The George Hotel, South Molton

The London Klezmer Quartet

Barb Jungr sings Bob Dylan

National Theatre Live: Young Marx

Elles Bailey + Support: Courtney Rose

Sun 10 Dec 3pm

Sun 17 Dec 2:30pm

National Theatre Live: Follies (encore)

The Last Baguette present ‘The Little Match Girl’

Thurs 21 Dec 2:30pm and 6pm The Peoples Theatre Company present ‘Santa in Love’

Thurs 21 Dec 8pm Fri 22 Dec 8pm David Mynne performs Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ Fri: George Hotel, South Molton

Sat 23 Dec 3pm The Exmoor Carolers

Sat: The Plough

Coming STEVE KNIGHTLEY RICHARD DIGANCE PAUL JONES & DAVE KELLY THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS KENT DUCHAINE PAUL YOUNG AND LOS PACAMINOS Soon!

OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 35

18/10/2017 13:36

WHAT’S ON

for small to medium groups. For more information or to book your place call 01566 784859.

8 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS PARTY The Friends of Bridestowe School and Bridestowe Village Hall Christmas party takes place in the village hall at 3pm.

9 DECEMBER THE CORNISH CROONER Andy Marshall performs songs by Sinatra, the Rat Pack and other great melodies from the 40s to the 70s at the annual Christmas Party in the Oxenham Arms, South Zeal. Contact 01837 840244 for more details.

9 DECEMBER WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP Make yourself a lovely Christmas wreath at this special event taking place at Bratton Clovelly Parish Hall between

Supporting the arts and sport in and around Okehampton Available for private hire: parties, weddings & functions Café and Licensed Bar Great stopping off point for cyclists and walkers Talk to us about your catering requirements

10am and 1.30pm. The cost is £10 which covers materials and a soup and cake lunch. Profits will be donated to local good causes. Booking in advance is essential - call Jenny on 01837 871401 or Kerry on 01837 871330.

10 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CONCERT With Launceston Choral Society at Bratton Clovelly Parish Hall. See Music and Art for more information.

13 DECEMBER CAUGHT IN THE REVOLUTION Helen Rappaport, a best-selling historian, talks about her compelling new book: the gripping story of the Russian Revolution told from a new perspective - a flamboyant cast of foreign eye-witnesses in Petrograd.

10am for a 10.30 start, at The Charter Hall, Okehampton. For information about the society email cynthia.smollett@gmail.com

Okehampton Chamber of Trade. See What’s On Extra for more information.

20 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS BINGO Head to Sampford Courtenay Village Hall for a fun and festive evening of bingo.

Doors open at 7pm and eyes down at 8pm. There are a variety of prizes on offer including bottles of wine, chocolates and poultry and a £40 cash flyer prize.

W

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23 & 24 DECEMBER CAROLS AND COLLECTIONS Members of Okehampton Lions Club will be singing carols outside Waitrose and the Co-op in Okehampton and also holding a Christmas collection of donations from the public for Lions club funds.

13 DECEMBER BOO TO A GOOSE! An event at Okehampton Library for children aged two to seven years of age and their carers. Tickets are £3 per child. Time to be confirmed - pop into Okehampton Library or call 01837 52805 for more information.

16 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS FARMERS’ MARKET A variety of producers will be tempting shoppers at this event organised by

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

Call: 01837 318010

email: pavilion@ocrasport.org.uk Okehampton College•Mill Road Okehampton•EX20 1GE 36 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 36

To promote your business to 20,700* readers - call 01822 615627

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D T

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

Welcome to...

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

Lady Maisery Tue 7th Nov

John Fairhurst with Rodney Branigan Thurs 9th Nov

Fleetwood Bac Sat 11th Nov

Nick Drake Tribute Sun 12th Nov

Bursting with bold and innovative folk music, vocal trio Lady Maisery shine brightly

‘Wigan’s answer to Jimi Hendrix’, Fairhurst has been wooing the live circuit for over a decade. Branigan, a master of several instruments, likened to Jeff Buckley.

Endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself and raved about by Peter Green’s biographer.

Nick Drake is the most revered and loved of all this country’s singer/ songwriters as portrayed by Keith James

Riptide Fri 17th Nov

John Coghlan’s Quo Fri 24th Nov

Livewire Sat 25th Nov

Pure Purple Sat 2nd Dec

Riptide are a 4 piece Acoustic covers band, based in the Southwest playing a variety of music from the charts of today

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 in the UK.

The unique 6 man tribute to rock’s greatest band AC/DC, complete with trademark cannons, wall of Marshalls & 2 hours of Rock & Roll

A faithful recreation of the Classic MKII Smoke on The Water, Black Night, Ritchie Blackmore era Deep Purple.

Joey the Lips Fri 8th Dec

Bon Jovi Experience Sat 9th Dec

Carptenters tribute Sun 10th Dec

Desparado Sat 16th Dec

Featuring a varied portfolio of classic soul, blues, funk and motown material, with a bit of rock thrown in too!

Bon Jovi Experience return by popular demand with their spectacular show

Playing with a full band this tribute to the late great Karen Carpenter is truly something not to be missed

Close your eyes, go back in time to the sweet dream and believe the Eagles themselves are on stage.

Abba Bjorn Belief Fri 22nd Dec

Mad Dog McCrea Sat 24th Dec

Made up of four accomplished musicians who not only sound like the famous Swedish performers they look just like them too.

A whole load of foot stomping riotous fun, Mad Dog McCrea know how to turn a show into a party.

Bringing 2017 to a close we hope some of the shows on this page will be of interest and you will come and visit – we are well ahead with our scheduling for 2018 so please remember to keep in touch with our website and Facebook page.

Online booking available for all music events at...

FACEBOOK.COM/ TAVISTOCKWHARF

The Wharf

Details and how to book www.tavistockwharf.com Tavistock Wharf Box Office 01822 611166 To promote your business to 18,400* readers - call 01822 615627 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 37

advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk 18/10/2017 13:36

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

11 November

Hatherleigh Carnival The excitement of the carnival starts at 5am with the first run of the famous flaming tar barrels through the dark streets which considering the very early start are surprisingly full of spectators. The hunt meets at 11am; then there’s the judging of the decorated shop windows and for the first time there will be a decorated house and guy competition which should make Hatherleigh look most celebratory.

The children’s procession assembles at Claremont and the award-winning Hatherleigh Silver Band will lead the royalty floats and the many imaginatively dressed walking guys through the town and finish in the market.

Carnival Queen is 15-year-old Annie Strawbridge, she attends Okehampton College and is a real sports fan. Annie is also a Young Leader at Brownies and this will be her chosen charity.

Annie was 9 months old when she was dressed as Piglet for her first ever carnival and has been in every Carnival since until last year...

Carnival Prince is Harry Winearls and Princess is Zoe Wonnacott. Zoe has been on the family float every year since

Images from the 2016 carnival

she was a baby but this will be the first time on a float for Harry.

At 5.45pm the floats and walking guys will assemble in the market ready for judging at 6pm. The main spectacular torchlit procession leaves Park Road at 7.30pm once again led by the silver band. The walking guys will be carrying collecting tins, so please give generously – this year the main charities are Hatherleigh Brownies, Devon Air Ambulance, RD&E Oncology plus other local charities. Not only will there be amazing crepe paper floats and the brilliantly funny comic floats, imaginatively dressed walking guys, burning torches, three fabulous brass bands and the energetic Samba Band, there are also street entertainers for further amusement.

Following this wonderful procession will be the last run of flaming tar barrels, but still the day is not over as there will be bands and music in the town square thanks to The Tally Ho! and The George Hotel for supplying the bands Eat the Rich and Lionstar.

November 29 - December 23

Gifts exhibition The Original Gifts Exhibition at The Plough, Torrington kicks off the festive season in style with over 40 stalls by local artists and makers providing a fantastic selection of textiles from quilting and felting to knitwear, furniture, woodwork and driftwood, paper and book crafts, jewellery, glass, ceramics, basketry, ironwork, copperwork, leatherwork, candles, paintings and many other festive goodies including a great range of cards and decorations.

You can enjoy a coffee while browsing around the craft fair or join the team at the launch on Wednesday 23 November, 7pm onwards for mulled wine and festive cheer and a chance

38 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 38

to chat to some of the makers. The show is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am until 8pm. For further information please contact the Plough on 01805 624624 or e-mail peter.stiles@theploughartscentre.org.uk

To promote your business to 18,400* readers - call 01822 615627

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

19, 26 November and 3, 10 &16 December

Markets make a return in town The Sunday markets which took place in Okehampton’s Charter Hall during the summer are due to make a comeback during the run-up to Christmas.

Anyone who would like to get involved, whether it’s donating props, materials, sewing skills or man (elf) hours should get in touch with Rebecca on 07398 720015 or call into Mooplehog.

A wide range of goods will be on sale at the Sunday markets, including arts and crafts, decor, seasonal produce, clothing, books, decorations, cosmetics and soap. And for children who are already looking forward to Christmas, there is a very special attraction – an ‘Elf Outpost’ where they can write letters to Santa Claus, to be stamped and posted in a special dispatch box.

Okehampton Chamber of Trade is also organising a special festive farmers’ market in the town this year on Saturday 16 December, enabling families to stock up on some extra Christmas gifts or luxuries to grace the dinner table during the holiday.

Volunteers are needed to join the contingent of elves at the Sunday markets in the Charter Hall on November 19 and 26 and December 3 and 10, during Edwardian Evening on December 7 and possibly at some other special events as well. The elves will help with letter-writing workshops when children can make their requests to Santa, posting them in a very special letterbox. They will also play an important role in replying to the children, involving a sociable elfish get-together in the upstairs bar of The Dovecote on Wednesday evenings.

There will be around nine stalls in the covered area of Red Lion Yard between 9am and 2pm, most of them drawn from the highly successful food and music festival held in the summer and selling goods ranging from cakes and ice cream to vodka! Linda Harper, chairman of the chamber of trade, said the chamber was planning another farmers’ market for around Easter.

The chamber would like to remind shoppers and visitors that parking in the town council-owned Simmons Park car park is free after 3pm throughout December.

Restaurant & Bar

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See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 39

39 18/10/2017 13:36

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Seasonal events to tempt you...

Game Dinner & Wine Tasting Evening Arrival Drinks 7pm Fri 10 November A five course dinner accompanied by a flight of wines

History Tour Arrival 10.30am with tea/coffee and homemade biscuits Fri 17 November

Explore the fascinating history of the manor with proprietor Sue Murray followed by lunch

Ladies do Lunch – Christmas from the Hedgerow Workshop Arrival 10.30am Weds 13 December

Learn how to decorate using nature this Christmas followed by lunch

Festive Party Menu Throughout December

Available at lunch and dinner from 1st December to 24th December 2017, minimum 10 guests and a pre-order is essential. Please contact reception to make a reservation.

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS OF ALL EVENTS

LEWTRENCHARD MANOR

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

Lewdown, Okehampton EX20 4PN • 01566 783222 info@lewtrenchard.co.uk • www.lewtrenchard.co.uk

amily Run Hideaway in Devon

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

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

SEE HOW OUR GARDEN GLOWS 17 NOVEMBER – 6 JANUARY THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS UNTIL 8PM

Explore a world of magical illuminations as dusk falls on our extended trail Simple suppers are available (booking essential 01805 626810).

For garden tickets and promotions visit rhs.org.uk/rosemoor Great Torrington, Devon. RHS members go free.

RHS Registered Charity Number: 222879 / SC038262

40 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 40

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

7 December

The magic of Edwardian Evening and also in Red Lion Yard, so there’s just no excuse for any youngster to miss seeing him! Also in Red Lion Yard will be that most Christmassy of beasts, real life reindeer – an attraction that proved incredibly popular last year.

Festive anticipation is already building in Okehampton for the big Christmas event of the year – Edwardian Evening.

The annual spectacular, which runs between 6pm and 9pm, is organised by Okehampton Chamber of Trade and draws thousands of people into the town, eager to savour the Christmassy atmosphere, enjoy the festive fare on offer and take advantage of the late night shopping opportunities. This year it’s hoped the event will be bigger and better than ever.

Chamber chairman Linda Harper said: ‘Last year we had some stalls in the main street, which is closed to traffic, but this year I am hoping for even more, including some in Red Lion Yard. They will be a mixture of stalls, similar to those that came to the food and music festival in the summer.’

Also in the main street there will be a children’s carousel and outside St James’ Church, the Mayor of Okehampton’s carol service will take place, accompanied by Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band. The atmosphere will be warmed up with a Norwegian fire pit enabling shoppers to thaw out while taking in the sights, while an artificial snow machine will make the evening feel even more festive.

Edwardian Evening is a magnet for families, with the big barrel organ playing festive tunes plus delicious smells created by a large hog roast and traditional roasted chestnuts.

Of course, Father Christmas will be there – in fact, he’s going to be a busy man this year as he’s making an appearance in two venues – in his grotto in the Museum of Dartmoor Life

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 41

If the children don’t actually tell Santa in person what they would really like for Christmas, they can write him a letter at a special ‘Elf Workshop’ inside the Dovecote Restaurant, where it will be stamped and posted into a special postbox – there will be a posse of elves working hard on the evening and after the event to make sure the letters and their replies get sent out!

Music will also be an important part of the evening, with a barbershop quartet touring the town and in the Charter Hall, Okehampton College Big Band will be performing. The college PTA will also be selling tickets for their very popular hamper draw.

Dressing up is an important part of Edwardian Evening – the shopkeepers and their staff get into the swing of things by adopting period clothing as they tempt in customers with mulled wine and mince pies, but it’s not just them that are getting into fancy dress mode. Linda said: ‘Everyone can get dressed up on Edwardian Evening and join the fun – the chamber will be offering a prize to the best dressed person on the night!’

For those driving to Okehampton to enjoy the evening, parking will be free in Mill Road and Market Street car parks from 6pm and free in Simmons Park from 3pm.

41 18/10/2017 13:36

Shopping heaven in the heart of Devon

Dear Customer, As you may be aware the Pannier Market will be relocating due to essential roofing works for the duration of January-April 2018.

Tuesdays - Antiques & Collectables Wednesday - Crafts and mixed market Thursday - Crafts and mixed market Friday - Traditional Charter Market, fresh produce Saturday - Regular themed markets - 1st Saturday of the month is Aladdins Cave collectibles, 2nd Saturday is crafts, others are mixed.

May we please ask that you support us at our temporary locations during this period at the Butcher’s Hall (Old Auction Rooms), inside the Town Hall and on Bedford Square.

Thank you for your continued custom and support.

Many thanks!

OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY 9AM – 4:30PM

The Pannier Market Traders

FIND US just behind the high street and town hall in the heart of Tavistock FIND OUT MORE 01822 611003 www.tavistockpanniermarket.co.uk

TAVISTOCK’S MOST FLEXIBLE VENUE

‘YOUR LOCAL VIBRANT EVENTS VENUE’

Whether you’re holding a gala dinner, a wedding, planning a dinner dance, or even an exercise class, our facilities and friendly and experienced staff make our elegant Gothic building at the heart of Tavistock the ideal place to hold your event.

Flea Market

A selection of antiques, collectables, vintage items, bric-a-brac and unusual what-nots...

New Traders Welcome

Fully Licensed Bar Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Seating for up to 190 People Call Ross and his team today to Full Disabled Access discuss your needs and reserve Modern Kitchen Facilities your time and date Full Days Hire from £470 townhall@tavistock.gov.uk www.tavistock.gov.uk

Tavistock Town Hall Bedford Square Tavistock PL19 0AE 42 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 42

01822 617232

EVERY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

10AM - 4PM Refreshments available Disabled access

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

t f

01822 617232 T. 01822 617232 E. townhall@tavistock.gov.uk www.tavistock.gov.uk www.tavistocktownhall.co.uk townhall@tavistock.gov.uk Tavistock Town Hall, Bedford Square, Tavistock, PL19 0AE To promote your business to 18,400* readers - call 01822 615627

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MUSIC & ART

November 15 & December 13

14 November - 5 December

Make your own Christmas decorations!

Art for all A new four-week art course is on offer this autumn, specially aimed at residents from Okehampton, Meldon, Brightly, Southcott and Stockley.

Linoprinting for Beginners has been funded by Okehampton United Charities and will take place at the Ockment Centre in Okehampton on Tuesdays, between 10am and 1pm on Tuesdays, starting on November 14 and finishing on December 5.

Participants on the course will be able to explore relief printing to make images for cards or decorative gift tags by learning how to handle lino tools and using positive and negative images creatively to make dramatic prints.

The course costs just £8 per person.

Booking is essential as spaces are limited. For more information or to reserve a place on the course email westdevonartworkshops@gmail.com or call 01822 258351.

December 10

Festive concert for a good cause

Launceston Choral Society will be giving a rousing Christmas concert in Bratton Clovelly Parish Hall this December, to raise money for Cancer Research UK. There’ll be some wonderful seasonal music sung by the choir, as well as well known carols for the audience to sing along to. This will be an evening for everyone, with secular Christmas readings, a bar and seasonal refreshments in the interval. Doors and bar open at 7pm and the music will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 adults, £2 for 16yrs and under. To book, email:

brattonclovellyfestival@gmail.com or phone: 01837 871696.

This Christmas celebration will be the final event of Bratton Clovelly Festival for 2017. There’s already some great music and art planned for next year.

Dates for your 2018 diary: Lecture by Art Historian, David Tovey, on Friday, March 23; Haldon String Quartet spring concert on Saturday, May 19th.

For details of this and other events, visit www.brattonclovellyfestival.com or facebook.com/brattonclovellyfestival

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 43

There’s an opportunity to make your own unique decorations for Christmas at a special course taking place in Okehampton in November and December. The two-day textile decoration workshop will be held at the Ockment Centre and is being run by Gill Cairns of West Devon Art Workshops.

The first session takes place on November 15 between 10.30am and 3.30pm. During the session you will learn how to make new fabrics from old ones, using sheer materials, threads, fabric scraps and ribbons.

Course participants will use machine stitching and a heat tool to distress the fabrics which will then be attached to contrasting backing fabric. This technique creates exciting surfaces which can also be used as book covers or to embellish bags etc.

The second session will be held on Wednesday December 13, also between 10.30am and 3.30pm, when you will learn how to make your own unique machine-wrapped yarns and cords. Using the fabrics created the first session you will create beautiful Christmas baubles, which can be further embellished with hand stitching, beads, tassels and your machine-made yarns.

The course costs £22 per session including materials – you will need to bring along your own sewing machine.

For more information and to book call 01822 258351 or email gillcairns21@ gmail.com 43 18/10/2017 13:36

Morethan than£95 £40MILLION million More worthof ofPROPERTY property worth SAleSAGREED AGreeDbyby SALES MansbridgeBalment Balment Mansbridge in 2017...

2017...So fAr! IN SO FAR!

“It’s a Sellers and Landlords market at the moment which means now is the right time to maximise on the value of your property. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff live eat and breathe the local area and will help you market your property and find the right buyer or tenant. Our four local offices and our London office will ensure that your house is seen and presented to the widest possible audience. Let us help you make your next move by calling us today”. nick Henderson, managing Director mansbridge Balment more new instructions, more Sales Agreed than any other agent in the 12 months to 1st march 2017 Source: Rightmove PL19, PL20 and EX20

www.mansbridgebalment.co.uk

mansbridgebalment Bridge House, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1DL 01837 52371 okehampton@mansbridgebalment.co.uk

THERE’S MORE TO US THAN JUST BEING YOUR LOCAL ESTATE AGENT

44 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 44

18/10/2017 13:36

NATIONAL TRUST

Celebrating St Clement at the foundry...

The doors of Finch Foundry closed for the winter on Sunday, October 29 with a day of Hallowe’en crafts, trails and vampire duck races! Once this is over we usually close up until St Clement’s Day, a celebration of blacksmiths work we have each year.

This year we are opening our doors on the weekends leading up to St Clem’s for the first time, so we opened on November 4 and 5 and will be open again on November 11 and 12 November from 11am until 3pm. On these days you will be able to see Finch as usual or use us as a base for a late autumn walk, we will be sure to have hot drinks awaiting you on your return!

St Clement’s Day will be on Saturday, November 18 between 11am and 4pm. On this day we aim to have around 15 to 20 blacksmiths on site. The premise is mainly competition, with blacksmiths attempting to make the ‘fastest snail’, the other competition is to make a tool, they have two hours to do this and we usually get some excellent results.

There will also be the opportunity to buy items produced by the blacksmiths and also some local arts and crafts producers up in our gallery.

Once St Clement’s Day is over we will be closed again, this is when our maintenance programme will begin, getting everything ready and running smoothly for re-opening in March.

The fire in the Add some colour to Forge at Finch your weekend this Foundry provides autumn at Gibside a warm glow this winter 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 2017. 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\National Trust.

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 45

45 18/10/2017 13:36

NATIONAL TRUST

Looking ahead to Christmas at the Castle We’ve had a busy few months at Castle Drogo. On October 20 the newly restored hydro turbine on the River Teign was officially switched on and the visitor centre is now using its power. It’s now the perfect time to blow away the winter cobwebs with a walk in the Gorge where you can see the turbine house. We’re now looking forward to the festive season which kicks off with our Christmas market on November 25 and 26, when there will be lots of local food and crafts on offer and free entry to the grounds.

CASTLE DROGO BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Saturdays and Sundays from 4 November – 17 December, 11am-4pm, last tour at 3.20pm.

A behind the scenes guided tour with one of our knowledgeable volunteers. Admission to castle by guided tour only. Normal admissions prices apply.

Celia Olsson. £35 per person (includes coffee and lunch).

Booking essential on 01647 433306.

DROGO 10 RUN Sunday 12 November, 10.30am This 10 mile race in the beautiful Teign Gorge is one of the most spectacular in England. For information and to register contact South West Road Runners www.thedrogo.co.uk

FATHER CHRISTMAS COMES TO DROGO Saturday and Sunday 9, 10, 16 & 17 December, 11am-4pm Follow the trail through the garden to find Father Christmas and receive a special present. £2.50 to see Father Christmas, plus admission prices.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH IN THE CAFÉ

ART DAY - WINTER SCENES

Wednesday 13, Thursday 14 & Friday 15 December, 12-2.30pm

Thursday 9 November, 10.30am – 3.30pm

£15 for 2 courses or £18 for 3 courses. Booking essential on 01647 434143.

Create frosty winter landscapes in this workshop with artist

Get in thecolour festive Add some to your weekend this spirit this Christmas autumn at Gibside at Castle Drogo Father Christmas will be visiting Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest on the 10,and 16autumn & 17colours, December. teeming with9, wildlife with walking routes for all ages and abilities.

Call 01225 123456 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/castledrogo When you visit, donate, volunteer join the National When you visit, donate, volunteer or join theor National Trust, your support your helps us to look after special places <inafter the region> <like Trust, support helps us to look special places property X, for property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. for ever, everyone. © National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered number © National Trust registered charity, number 205846.charity, Photography 205846.

Photography © National Trust Images.

Images.

46 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 46

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

To promote your business to 18,400* readers - call 01822 615627

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NATIONAL TRUST

Winter walking at Lydford Gorge The Devil’s Cauldron viewing platform is taken up over winter to prevent flooding and protect it from damage by river debris.

The waterfall tea-room will be open Saturdays and Sundays, 11am to 3.30pm. Pop in for sustenance before your walk or afterwards to warm up and relax over a cuppa and a slice of cake.

Why not combine your invigorating walk to the waterfall with some relaxed Christmas shopping? The shop is open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 3.30pm until Saturday 23 December. There is a new range of Christmas items for 2017 including scrummy nibbles and drinks. There is also a wide range of books, rugs and outdoor clothing which make excellent and useful presents.

The circular walk to Whitelady waterfall and the track to the bird hide remain open and now is a great time to get away from the crowds and get closer to nature. From November the river path and Devil’s Cauldron will be shut. This allows the rangers to complete essential maintenance work before March when all the paths re-open.

You can also pick up some Christmas goodies at our annual winter fayre on Sunday 3 December. Entry is free, it is a good chance to pick up a Dartmoor Christmas tree and lots of other local craft and food producers will be showing off their wares.

There will be tastings, musical entertainment from Tor Bells and ranger activities for the children.

Lydford Gorge Add some colour to winter fayre your weekend this

Sunday autumn3atDecember, Gibside 11am-3pm Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest Dartmoor Christmas teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities. trees and local produce 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 2017. 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\Rob Stothard.

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 47

47 18/10/2017 13:37

FEATURE

The Harvest Workers Co-operative – A passion for growing Spreading the word about organic produce is the driving force behind the Harvest Workers Co-operative, a not-for-profit social enterprise launched this July in Okehampton with the help of some crowdfunding.

The co-operative was the brainchild of Martin Godfrey and Sara Melendro, who had been running the farm shop in Red Lion Yard. Finding it hard to keep their market garden near Northlew going at the same time as the shop, they hit on the idea of teaming up with other like-minded producers and sharing the load. The co-operative idea was born and in January they, along with market gardener Liv James, her partner Henry Allison, Kevin and Jo Cotter and Sophie Holt, decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign with the dream of creating a social enterprise supporting local organic and sustainable food producers, promoting understanding of the social, environmental and health issues of food through educational activities and building food sovereignty and community strength. The campaign, which ran in June, sparked the support of around 100 people and raised around £4,000.

The re-vamped co-operative farm shop then opened in July.

The co-operative members all have horticultural and/or educational backgrounds – Liv volunteered at a city farm in London while working in food waste management. Henry was born and bred in Devon and has been involved in horticulture for some 12 years. Martin came from a farming background, Sara has worked for charities and is a grower; Kevin and Jo run the social enterprise Love Local Food, a social enterprise mixing farm and food-based learning with a mobile shop and Sophie is a maker, grower and educator at Madewell near Hatherleigh.

48 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 48

Liv said: ‘The shop isn’t just about selling produce, it’s about educating people what’s in season and how small-scale farming works. Henry and I have a market garden - Down Farm - and we sell our produce to the shop. Other produce comes from either Martin and Sara’s farm, Hilton Organics or Shillingford Organics and all other produce we try and source locally too - our whole ethos is to be as sustainable as possible.’

So, why organic? Liv explains: ‘Organic farming is more than just a system, it is a philosophy to help us understand and appreciate our beautiful surroundings. We have never felt a need to grow any other way and we have found natural fertilisers in the forms of manure, wood chip and plant materials. Working this way ensures a healthy ecosystem helping prevent against pests and diseases.’

Henry explained: ‘It is fundamental to us that we grow food in harmony with nature, helping it rather than harming, so we see organic farming as a foundation to this ethos.’

For Martin cost is one of the hardest parts of being an organic producer. ‘We wanted to grow food for our local community and be proud the produce we sell is clean, nutrient-dense and grown in healthy soil. This means we have to incur higher costs of production, as our inputs such as suitable seeds or GM-free feeds are more expensive; we use people’s labour instead of chemicals to do the same job and labour is not only more costly, but is also highly taxed.

‘We are also trading within a system that hides the real cost of chemical farming and uses the power of agrochemicals companies and big retailers to distort the facts about how chemical industrial farming is practiced. While organic and non-organic produce may look the same on the shelves, their

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FEATURE

FEATURE

growing and education toxic-loaded, nutritional profile and environmental impact is hugely different. Sadly this information is often absent and many shoppers still quite disconnected from where their food comes from. Shoppers are constantly faced with absent or misleading information, such as pretty pictures of farming or livestock on supermarket walls or packets which bear little or no resemblance to how the food is actually produced.

The Harvest Workers Co-operative’s educational programme is now well under way, initially comprising a mixture of workshops, talks and films. The first workshop was an introduction to sourdough bread making. The subject of fermenting food has also been tackled. A ‘no dig’ system of growing will be explained at a future workshop and there will be seed swaps and farm tours too.

‘Given more information and good scientific facts, people would, I’m sure, shop a little differently. That’s partly what we aim to do with our educational activities - unveil these hidden facts and start a conversation with the locals on what a different, healthy, fair, caring and prosperous food system may look like, whether we call it organic, traditional or anything else.’

The social enterprise has also been working alongside other local organisations and recently visited Taw River Dairy where the wellie-wearing visitors met the farm’s small dairy herd, toured the farm, tasted their ice cream and milk and learned about the milk-making process. Public transport was made available from Okehampton, funded by the Okehampton United Charities.

According to Kevin and Jo, you can definitely taste the difference between organic and non-organic produce. ‘It was carrots! Tasting the rich earthiness of organic carrots was a real wake-up after plastic-wrapped blandness.’

Thanks to the co-operative, local primary school children have been learning about seasonal vegetables and a wild food smoothie-making session was held in Red Lion Yard.

Here the youngsters were encouraged to make healthy drinks including some more unusual ingredients like dandelions!

They also recently took part in an apple pressing event too. During November the shop will be hosting a farm photography exhibition entitled ‘Unlikely Heroes’ by Walter Lewis, documenting his journey around local sustainable food production in England and Wales.

The co-operative members share the workload in the shop with each taking on an agreed number of hours a week, with the educational programme being an extension of the workload.

Sophie said working as a co-operative is proving to be a really enriching experience: ‘It’s so interesting to see how we all work differently, how we can help each other - bringing different viewpoints and collaborating our ideas. I’m enjoying being part of something that is so important for the town and its people – I think if everyone worked in a similar way we might all get along a lot better! Sharing ideas seems to open up opportunity and learning, it develops initiative and creativity too.’

Each member of the co-operative is a director with their own responsibilities and all are keen that the project is not shortlived, but one that will run for many years to come.

Jane Honey

From left to right, Liv and Henry at Down Farm, Sara and Martin of Hilltown Organics, Sophie Holt, Sour dough workshop.

See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 49

49 18/10/2017 13:37

DOG WALK WALKS WITH WINNIE

Walks with... Winnie A circular walk that includes the site of a tragic wartime accident This walk has been kindly written (and walked) for us by Denise Horner of Dartmoor Nordic Walking with her dog Winnie. www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk www.petranger.co.uk Approximate time one and a half hours, 8,500 steps and about 6k.

1:25000 Outdoor Leisure Map 28.

This time we are taking a lovely circular walk from Meldon Car Park, taking in the open moors near Sourton Tors, Vellake Corner, the Nature Reserve and Meldon Reservoir. Although you are not permitted to swim in the reservoir, there are places along the Okement River, that feeds it, that you can swim in.

From Meldon Car Park, take the steps up to the road and the footpath will be seen directly opposite you, taking you through a gate and immediately uphill. As you head for the tree line, take a look to your left at the reservoir and the moors beyond.

An amazing view on a clear day. The second footpath sign will be at the tree line, the path runs parallel to the stone wall on your right. Stay with this path as it contours along the side of the hill - South Down - and brings you out into the open. Head towards the stone wall in front of you and bear left towards the gate.

You will see Sourton Tors in the distance as you walk along this grassy track towards the open moors. The views to your left are of Homerton Hill and Corn Ridge, the highest point and a very steep drop down towards Black-a-tor-Copse.This is the ridge that a WWII American PB4Y-1 Liberator Aircraft crashed into in the misty winter conditions on 28 December, 1943, heading home to Dunkeswell with ten crew, who all sadly lost their lives. There is still some wreckage there today.

As you come out onto the moors, keep the stone wall on your left and keep on following this with it in your sight at all times.

In front of you the track forks, take the left fork slightly down hill to your left. Looking ahead you will see the track on the opposite hill as it contours around. Continue to walk downhill to the stream with the wall on your left, ending at the stream.

Crossing the stream, continue following the track at the same level around the side of the hill. You can clearly see the track continuing in front of you and crossing a second stream.

This part of the moors is quite open and you can see Meldon reservoir in front of you between the the hills, with those to

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WALKS WITH DOG WINNIE WALK

Map for guide only.

your right looking almost like the side of a crater - a great place to sledge in the snow!

Once you have crossed the river, head straight across to a track and turn left heading toward the reservoir. The path can be clearly seen and will now take you along the side of the reservoir and all the way back to the car park, crossing over the dam. As you walk along this path you will see a small island, which when the water level is low, you feel you could walk out to.

At this point you will need to start heading down toward your left where you will see the West Okement River heading towards the reservoir and the flat plain of the nature reserve.

The power house at the weir will come into sight, head towards this and cross the river. It’s a great spot for wild swimming as it is nice and deep - being Dartmoor the water will be cold, but it’s a suitable place to cool off in the summer for you and your dog!

If you would like to join us on this walk, with or without poles or dogs, we will be meeting at Meldon Car park on Wednesday, November 15 at 10am. To book you space on this walk please www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk

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51 18/10/2017 13:37

LOCAL PROPERTY

Beautiful local properties on the market….

BELSTONE Chapel House.

Fine, detached Victorian residence, sympathetically refurbished in recent years, with walled garden and former chapel. Accommodation includes four bedrooms (master en-suite), farmhouse kitchen/dining room with Aga, conservatory, sitting room, large utility and cloak rooms.

Adjoining paddock of approximately 1.75 acres with stock-proof fencing.

Guide £625,000 01837 52371

SOUTH TAWTON Beautifully presented Victorian farmhouse with attached cottage-style annex. The main house has four bedrooms and four reception rooms with a lounge, conservatory, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom in the annex, which has a separate walled garden. Gardens and ground amount to around a third of an acre and includes a number of outbuildings. £575,000 01837 52371

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home in this delightful rural home set in around 12 acres. The farm house provides four bedrooms and three receptions. There are three cottages the generate an income and numerous outbuildings, including the 65’ x 45’ Winery and adjoining barn, two further barns and a converted barn that could be an ideal home office/studio. £1,195,000.

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OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 52

SAMPFORD

COURTENEY A fine period home located in this truly idyllic rural location surrounded by its own 6.5 acres including a substantial lake. They say ‘Home is where the heart is” and this beautiful property will certainly pull the heart strings and somewhere you will never tire of coming home to. £595,000.

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18/10/2017 13:37

LOCAL PROPERTY

SAMPFORD COURTENAY The Old Forge. A delightful Grade II listed thatched property with spacious and versatile family accommodation set within mature and well maintained gardens and grounds. Retaining much of its original charm and character, the accommodation includes four bedrooms, sitting room with inglenook fireplace, snug, kitchen with Rayburn, and flagstone hallway. Grounds include summerhouse and double garage. £545,000 01837 52371 HIGHAMPTON A spacious and well presented 4 bedroom detached family home. The property has been modernised over time but still keeps the charming character of it’s former self. Located on a quiet lane on the edge of Highampton, set in just over 1.5 acres and benefits from a 25’5 kitchen / diner, 2 paddocks, studio/ workshop and ample off road parking. £600,000 01837 500 600 NORTH TAWTON Beautifully presented, detached residence, commanding views to Dartmoor. The main residence is split over several levels with a lovely kitchen/breakfast room with utility and walk in pantry, a dining room, living room and large conservatory. In total there are four bedrooms, the master having an en-suite. There is also a study. The gardens extend to circa half an acre and are well tended.

There is ample parking and a double garage.

Within the grounds there is a detached cottage with an open plan lounge/kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms with the master benefiting from an en-suite. £645,000 01837 54504

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OKEHAMPTON A three-storey victorian residence with potential annexe accommodation currently providing income from a children’s nursery. The accommodation comprises 3 large bedrooms (potential for 6), 8 receptions rooms, Ample parking.

Potential annexe conversion (STPP). Rear garden. Walking distance to town. £495,000 Bond Oxborough Phillips 01837 500 600

Property Directory If you have properties that you wish to include in this directory call Tim Randell on 01822 615627 53 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 53

18/10/2017 13:37

FOOD & DRINK

’Tis the season!

With Christmas fast approaching, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! What? Did I hear you cry! Last-minute shopping, making sure you got all the trimmings and catering for those special dietary requirements can make the most organised of us slightly frazzled.

Pleasing everyone can be a feat, even at the best of times. To tick the Christmas drinks off your list, I have picked some of my favourite festive refreshments. This merry band of joyous beverages are guaranteed to pleasure your palate, seduce your salmon, tantalise your turkey and please your pud!

Wake me up fizz!

Christmas morning, whether you’re submerged under three feet of wrapping paper or indeed still wrapping presents, a great drink to ease you into the festivities of the day has to be Bucks Fizz. Named after a London club, it was designed as an excuse to begin drinking early! Bucks Fizz pairs extremely well with scrumptious smoked salmon and scrambled eggs - it can be bought ready prepared, but for that extra special touch, go homemade! A jug of freshly squeezed oranges added to some fizz, usually two parts fizz to one part orange juice. Popular Prosecco is ideal, Cava or other sparkling wines are great but the orange will drown out any of the wines complexities. Waitrose Blueprint Prosecco £7.99 would be the perfect festive fizz to kick off the day!

The main event It certainly wouldn’t be Christmas without turkey, a timehonoured favourite both here in the UK and in the US. Turkey started to appear on the Christmas table in the 16th century and has become a fundamental part of festive proceedings.

Turkey calls for reds that are light in tannins and have good amount of acidity. Beaujolais is brilliant for this.

The Bouchard Père et Fils, Fleurie £12.49, made from the Gamay grape, is a graceful, elegant, medium bodied wine with soft tannins. Expect to find fresh berry fruits on the nose, strawberry and cherry fruits on the palate.

with roast turkey! The Hill-Smith Estate Chardonnay £10.99 is a perfect match. This Aussie wine offers stoned fruit and citrus aromas on the nose, tropical fruit on the palate and delectable rich oaky undertones.The creamy acidity in this wine really helps out with meat that can sometimes be slightly dry.

The sweet sinner!

Sweet wines, also known as sticky or pudding wines, are quite varied - choosing the right one can really compliment a dessert like nothing else!

Campbell’s Rutherglen Muscat £12.99 is an excellent match for traditional Christmas pudding. Fresh raisin fruit backed by subtle hints of oak entwine with the rich sweet flavours of the pudding and explode, leaving you begging for more! For those like myself, who, tend to go for the alternative dessert; this wine is divine drizzled over ice cream! Sweet wines are very concentrated so serve in small amounts and savour like a malt whisky.

Another heavenly match for that traditional pud would be a tasty Tawny Port. My pick would have to be the wonderful Warre’s Otima 10-year-old Tawny, £11.99. Warre’s is the oldest British Port House, founded in Portugal in 1670. Made from the Portuguese grape Tinto Roriz, which incidentally is the same grape as Spain’s Tempranillo, tawny ports such as this one are smooth and less sweet compared with their younger ruby counterpart. Aged in wooden barrels, over time the ruby-red colour takes on a paler brown appearance. On the palate it pleases with fine caramel and nutty orange-peel flavours. To enhance the chic flavours that bit more, serve this as they do in Portugal, lightly chilled.

Please come and see one of our specialists or product advisors in-store for any festive advice, we are all more than happy to help.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and joy!

It’s not everyone’s favourite, but Chardonnay can work wonders 54 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 54

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FOOD & DRINK

Creme Brulé

4 individual ramekin dishes

Ingredients

1 pint double cream 4 egg yolks 5oz caster sugar Almond biscuits Caster sugar to sprinkle

Method

In a metal bowl that will fit into a saucepan without touching the bottom, place the four egg yolks and caster sugar. In the saucepan add enough water to bring it to a level just under the metal bowl, bring it to the boil and turn down to simmer.

Creme Brulé – a great alternative to Christmas pudding Sometimes Christmas pudding can be a bit too much after a large festive meal - but you still want a sweet treat that feels special and a bit decadent. A creme brûlée certainly fits the bill, being sinfully creamy, but it is a whole lot lighter than the traditional end to the Christmas dinner. Malcolm Whybrow, Chef at the New Inn at Sampford Courtenay shares one of his favourite recipes:

In a separate saucepan, bring the cream to the boil while at the same time in the metal bowl in the saucepan, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until thick and creamy – be careful not to overcook! Then add the hot cream and gently whisk until thick and creamy, pour into the ramekins and leave to chill preferably overnight.

Sprinkle the top of the creme with caster sugar and caramelise it, either using a blow torch or a pre-heated hot grill. Let the caramelised sugar set and serve with almond biscuits.

Malcolm Whybrow, Chef, The New Inn, Sampford Courtenay

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55 18/10/2017 13:37

HISTORY

Sticklepath Heritage Group are reviving an old English tradition.

The ‘obby orse’ at the May Day festival taking place in Padstow c1950

The giving of soulcakes and a ghostly horse . . .

Between the time when this was written and the time when you read it, a new event will have taken place in Sticklepath.

As a result, if you attended the ‘Grey Mare Festival’ at Hallowe’en you are in a unique position to judge our plans, as set out here, against what actually happened. Knowledge is power, as the 16th century philosopher Francis Bacon might have said (no-one knows for sure). The new festival, a major 2017 project of Sticklepath Heritage Group (SHG), brings together several strands of historic thought.

song ‘Widecombe Fair’, actually existed and lived in the village, as possibly did one or more of the riders. Bill Brewer, for instance, is thought to have lived in the old post office opposite the Taw River Inn.

Firstly there is timing and tradition. October 31 to November 2, Hallowe’en, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, is a period when thought is given to those who have passed on and is therefore a time when the living and the dead are in close communion. For five hundred years, though, Hallowe’en has not been an important popular festival in England, which tended to focus more on Guy Fawkes Night on November 5.

Only very recently has this changed with the arrival of the American ‘Trick or Treat’. SHG had the idea of a festival which would better reflect the older English tradition, for instance with the giving of ‘soulcakes’, a medieval practice which has virtually died out in England.

As the song says, the ghost of Tom’s grey mare is still with us, with ‘skirling and groans’ and ‘rattling bones’, so perhaps she would appear this Hallowe’en?

Secondly, hobbyhorse festivals are a well-known tradition, with a stylised equine figure, often using a real horse’s skull, processing through a community. The occasion may be in celebration of a particular event like Mayday or Christmas, or the horse figure may be associated with a blessing on, or the protection of, the community in which it appears. The Cornish Padstow version is famous, as is the Welsh ‘Mari Lwyd’ tradition, while Dartmoor abounds with equine ghost stories.

And Sticklepath, of course, lays claim to one of the most famous horses in the world…

The Pearse family set up business in Sticklepath in the early 19th century, harnessing the power of the River Taw to set up a mill making cloth, mainly for military uniforms. Tom Pearse (1793-1875), who famously loaned his grey mare in the 56 OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 56

In fact, the origin of the song is shrouded in mystery, but the link between the lyrics and the actual history of Sticklepath is compelling.

The Heritage Group drew all these strands together into the concept of the ‘Grey Mare Festival’, in which the ghost of Tom Pearse’s grey mare would be invoked to protect the village from ill-fortune in the coming year. As a result, on the evening of Hallowe’en children processed through the village giving soulcakes to householders in exchange for news of the mare’s whereabouts, while the appropriately costumed Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer and their fellows also joined in. Once found, the mare led the procession back to the start point before

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HISTORY

Online genealogy databases The world of genealogy is changing all the time these days, with new information coming online every year. To find out as much as you can about your ancestors, you will need to use as many different sources as possible. There are several online genealogy databases some are free, and some are subscription only but also sometimes have offers such as a month’s access for £1 - and you can access some of them at libraries.

returning to the moor, leaving behind a promise to protect Sticklepath for the coming year. Later, the mare will process through the village again, with morality plays being performed in the Taw River and Devonshire Inns.

This isn’t, of course, the only work on Sticklepath Heritage Group’s plate at the moment. With the onset of winter, work on that ultimate indoor project – the village archive – resumes, along with planning an IT platform both to provide safe storage for the material and to allow access for interested researchers.

Of particular interest in the most recent batch of cataloguing are the architect’s drawings for the extension of the village bridge in 1928. This was, of course, by no means the first widening of Sticklepath Bridge – local folklore has it that King George III’s coach got stuck there, the problem being solved by the royal retinue knocking down the south parapet.

There has also been some background research into Roman times which has revealed a possibility that the River Nemeton – the modern Taw that flows through Sticklepath – may have had a sacred significance before the Roman invasion in 43 AD. We’ll never know, of course, but it’s fascinating to imagine druids performing ancient rites on the site of Sticklepath Bridge.

Plans are also being made to conduct a house questionnaire in Sticklepath, an idea inspired by our sister local history group in Belstone. Householders would be requested to complete details of the known history of their houses, making this an exercise that potentially could provide a vast fund of historical information. Some properties in the village, of course, date back some five hundred years.

Mike Gilbert Sticklepath Heritage Group

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See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 57

There are also free websites for genealogical data, but in general they do not cover the same vast range of information. One of the best is Family Search, and it is always worth checking when an ancestor is hard to locate.

Others are Free BMD, which has civil registration records, Free Reg for parish records, and Free Cen for census records, although all of these only offer rather patchy information.

If you have any Scottish ancestors you will need to use the pay-per-view site Scotland’s People. Civil registration records for Irish ancestors can be found free at Irish Genealogy, while catholic parish register records are available by subscription at Roots Ireland.

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The largest subscription websites are: Ancestry; Find My Past; The Genealogist.

All of them have all the census records and civil registration records for England and Wales, but it is always useful to check another site if you cannot find what you seek, as search facilities differ, and sometimes the information is found more easily on a different site. Ancestry and Find My Past also have parish records, military records, immigration and travel records, and social records such as directories, schools and employment, but their coverage varies widely. Ancestry has wills and probate records, Find My Past has 19th century newspapers, while The Genealogist is good for tithe maps and non-conformist records.

Susan Francia Family History Research Services 01822 820855 fhistoryresearch@gmail.com www.family-historyresearch.co.uk 57 18/10/2017 13:37

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OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 61

18/10/2017 13:37

TRADE SECRETS

Trade Secrets Paul Edworthy POULTRY FARMER - THE DARTMOOR POULTRY COMPANY

How did you become a poultry farmer?

I started rearing poultry for Christmas 15 years ago with just two geese and five turkeys. The Dartmoor Poultry Company has been trading since 2016 and is now a family run business, based in the heart of Dartmoor. We wanted to produce turkeys and geese at the same price, and give families the choice of affordable quality meat at one of the most expensive times of year.

How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need to become a poultry farmer?

As with most farming, you learn how to poultry farm from your elders. You don’t need qualifications to become a poultry farmer. However, you do need a slaughter licence and premises approved by Environmental Health.

What is involved in being a poultry farmer?

In April, we buy our goslings as day-olds from Newland Farm Geese in Tiverton and then in June we get day-old turkeys from Kelly Bronze Turkeys in Essex. We then rear them to full maturity, giving us full control on the end-flavour of the birds.

We buy mainly small strain hen birds to produce small turkeys with more breast meat than large strain birds. We feed the birds on natural diets of cereals and clover rich pastures.

I am a fully licenced slaughter man so we process all the birds on the farm, hang them for 14 days for full flavour, and then prepare them to sell as oven-ready poultry.

How has your business changed over the years?

Growing the online business and courier service has meant that we can now deliver nationwide as well as locally. We have perfected a cool bag system to keep the turkeys at the correct temperature during transport and our courier service delivers them to homes two days before Christmas Day. We did some trial runs to London and Cambridge last year with perfect results. This year we are also producing turkeys for Thanksgiving.

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

It is apparent that with any sector of the farming industry, you need to produce on a large scale in order to make a decent turnover. On the scale that we are farming, it really is something that is more of a lifestyle choice.

What is the best thing about your job?

Job satisfaction is having day-old chicks arrive at the farm and seeing them go through the whole process, reared to a high welfare standard and getting great customer feedback in the new year; it makes it all worthwhile. I also enjoy having input from family members across four generations.

For more information or to contact us, please visit www.dartmoorpoultrycompany.co.uk or The Dartmoor Poultry Company Facebook page.

Dartmoor Poultry Company Free Range Christmas Goose and Turkey

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OKE LINKS - Nov/Dec 18 issue.indd 63

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