Oke Links September/October 2018

OKE LINKS

September / October 2018

Issue 11

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

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INSIDE: LOCAL PEOPLE • EDUCATION • WHAT’S ON • GARDENING • HISTORY • NOTICEBOARD SPORT

Title success for flourishing gymnastics club

CHARITY Volunteers who make all the difference

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

A community that has strength and depth When I wrote in the July/August edition of Oke Links that I hoped everyone would be enjoying plenty of BBQs during the summer, I didn’t realise quite what a hot and dry few months we were going to have! The phrase ‘Phew, what a scorcher’ could definitely have been coined for the summer of 2018.

CONTENTS

This edition we have been taking a look at our community and meeting some of the people who work so hard within it. Local people Mike Davies, Rosie Yells and Steve Ward all have a strong love and commitment to the places in which they live and put much time and effort into the various groups, clubs and organisations they are involved in, whether it’s as a mayor, a bell-ringing farmer or a sports coach and retained fireman.

12 SPORTS The great achievements of Okehampton’s gym and trampoline club

Our feature puts the spotlight on One Okehampton - a community group that was only formed fairly recently but is turning into a resounding success story, building awareness and well-being within the town and its environs.

Morecare Moretonhampstead is the subject of this edition’s Charity Focus. This small charity relies on the hard work of a committed band of volunteers that do incredible work enabling elderly people in the area to remain in their own homes by providing transport, a listening ear and practical help when it’s needed. If you think you can help, turn to page 20 to find out more.

5 NOTICEBOARD New defibrillators in town thanks to Oke PADS, grants available to local people and Moreton Memory Café

13 LOCAL PEOPLE A retained firefighter, the Mayor of West Devon and a busy farmer 18 EDUCATION Students from Okehampton help out at the museum and the new primary opens its doors 20 CHARITY FOCUS More Care - volunteers doing great work for the elderly 23 HEALTH Chinese Medicine and how to deal with ticks

And students from Okehampton College have been doing their bit towards the community by completing a period of voluntary work at the Museum of Dartmoor Life, including lending their youthful expertise to the museum’s social media platforms. You can read what they’ve been up to in our education section on pages 18 and 19 , which also looks at a new era for Okehampton with the opening of St James’ Church of England Primary and Nursery School.

32 CHAGFORD FILM FESTIVAL A packed programme for this great week-long event

As we head towards our second anniversary edition, we’d really like your thoughts on Oke Links - if you could take five minutes to complete our Readership Survey on page 62 you will then be entered into our prize draw to win dinner for two at Two Bridges Hotel.

52 FEATURE The wonderful work of One Okehampton

Jane Jane Honey – Editor.

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

The deadline for any inclusions in November/October issue is 5th October 2018.

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

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

Editor: Publisher: Design: Advertising:

Jane Honey Tim Randell Sara Venner, Julian Rees Jane Daniel

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

39 WHAT’S ON EXTRA Carnivals and a flower festival 43 MUSIC AND ART A fascinating new exhibition and some wonderful music

58 HISTORY What have Sticklepath Local History Group been up to?

Linksmagazines MOOR

TAVY OKE

ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

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

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

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

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

All rights reserved copyright © 2018

3

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4

NOTICEBOARD

Charity provides extra lifesaving equipment Okehampton PADs (Public Access Defibrillators) is a new charity formed towards the end of 2017. Thanks to local charities and donations they have raised enough funds to install five public access defibrillators around town - three were already in place. The additional five will improve location and accessibility to life saving equipment for everyone.

Charity trustees Joe Rice and James Stevens met at a first aid training course run by Joe, who is also a firefighter in the town, and discussions started about the benefits of defibrillators and CPR as treatment for those who stop breathing and go into cardiac arrest.

Statistically the chance of survival increases from less than 10% to 50-70% with the intervention of a defibrillator and good quality CPR. With increasing demands on the ambulance service, there could be considerable time when a member of the public will be the only person available to administer first aid.

Darren Goodwin, a critical care paramedic, came on board as a trustee and with Joe and James, they lodged funding applications to allow the purchase of extra defibrillators and provide regular free training sessions.

Positioning of the defibrillators is of paramount importance.

The charity trustees studied the best locations to cover as large an area as possible while also considering electrical supplies, owners’ permissions and visibility. The cabinets needed to be visible so they are accessible to local people and visitors too. All the cabinets are unlocked to ensure the life saving equipment is ready to be used as quickly as possible.

Okehampton Public Access Defibrillator Locations: Fore Street (Two Rivers Restaurant); George Street (public toilets); North Road (Fire Station); Crediton Road (Gillian’s Curtis Cuts); Exeter Road (Costcutter​).

Cabinets were being fitted throughout August and September.

Other PADs in Okehampton are at Elemental Microanalysis Ltd on Exeter Road Industrial Estate, The Pavilion in the Park and at Okehampton Primary School.

Free training sessions will take place on: Thursday, September 27th at Okehampton Rugby Club, 7pm – 9pm; Wednesday, October 24th at Fairplace Church, 7pm – 9pm; Thursday, November 15th November at The Ockment Centre, 7pm – 9pm and Friday, December 7th at Okehampton Church Hall, 7pm – 9pm.

Booking is essential due to limited spaces, email okepads@ gmail.com. More information can be found at www.facebook. com/Okepads and www.okepads.wixsite.com/okepads

While anyone can use a defibrillator, awareness on the positioning of the defibrillator equipment, confidence in using them and giving good quality CPR is fundamental to their success, so they urge as many people as possible to attend training. Free two hour training sessions will be run monthly in various locations around town.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

5

NOTICEBOARD

Support and companionship at the Café The Memory Café in Moretonhampstead takes place on the last Thursday of every month, between 2pm and 4 pm at the Community Club on Court Street.

So what is a Memory Café? It’s somewhere where people who are experiencing memory problems, and their carers, come together for some fun, new experiences, support and companionship.

The Café is very much activity-focused: between 2pm and 2.30pm people arrive and settle in with a cup of tea. At 2.30pm we start our first activity which might be seated exercise to music, a cognitive exercise like a quiz, singing or chucking around a ‘getting to know you ball’! At 3pm we have tea and some delicious homemade cake, followed by our main activity, recent examples of which have been dog bingo, Morris dancing, reminiscence therapy and planting seeds in pots and decorating them. A local potter was present to do an informative, hands-on session in August and a similar session will be held with a shoemaker in October.

Every other month the carers have the option of attending a support group run in the hall at the same time as the Café.

We hold a range of leaflets and booklets with up-to-date information for carers and those living with the condition.

The Café is free, though we do welcome donations towards the cost of refreshments.

We welcome people not just from Moretonhampstead but the surrounding villages too. If transport is an issue we can help with this.

Our Café is run by volunteers and we have links with Devon Carers and the Alzheimer’s Society.

One carer said: ‘It’s the one place where my mum and I can come and have fun together.’

Following a visit from a carers’ organisation, one representative said: ‘What a fantastic Memory Café, so calm yet so stimulating.’

For more information ring Julia Oliver 07779470504, or email juliaandkate@ yahoo.co.uk Julia Oliver Moretonhampstead Memory Café

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NOTICEBOARD

Can the Charities of Holditch and Others help you?

The Charities of Holditch and Others can be traced back to 1905, when it was established to help the poor and needy within the Ancient Parish of Okehampton. The Charity has evolved since 1905 and in 2015, a new scheme was approved by the Charity Commission. The Charities of Holditch and Others supports people and organisations who are based within Okehampton and its four Hamlets - Brightley, Southcott, Meldon and Stockley.

Trustees distribute the annual income of the charity (approximately ÂŁ4,500) in three ways: Individual grants to pensioners who are in receipt of pension credit Individual grants to students who are under 24 Grants to voluntary organisations who aid the elderly or students.

In 2017, trustees awarded 13 individual grants to pensioners and supported six local organisations. Local organisations supported by the Charities of Holditch and Others in the past two years are Okehampton and District Community Transport Group, Young Devon, The Macular Society, Tor Support Services, COPD Support Group, Carers Support, Age Concern, Parkinsons Support Group, DYS Space, Forget Me Not CafĂŠ, Okehampton 6th Form and Walk and Talk.

The trustees would ask any pensioners (in receipt of pension credit) or students who live within Okehampton and Hamlets

to get in touch with the clerk to discuss how to apply to the Charity.

Trustees would also be interested to hear from any voluntary organisations in need of financial support who aid the elderly or students within Okehampton and the Hamlets.

The Charity can be contacted on 01837 55179 or by email clerk@okehamptoncharities.org.uk or in writing to The Charities of Holditch and Others C/O 15 Upper Crooked Meadow, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1WW.

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7

NOTICEBOARD

A busy time for the Dartmoor Ranger Team At the time of writing this we in the National Park Ranger team are busy dealing with the issues associated with the annual influx of visitors enjoying the special qualities of this wonderful place where we live and work. It’s been a busy summer, particularly with the very dry weather and the constant risk of wildfires.

Rangers have attended local shows at Okehampton, Chagford and Lydford Summer Fair, which incorporates Safety on Dartmoor Day – a great day out and a chance to meet emergency service personnel and find out how they make lives safer in the National Park.

Vegetation clearance on public rights of way began in July.

We make sure we start after wild flowers have seeded and to ensure we do not disturb ground nesting birds. This work is managed by the Ranger team across the whole area, so

rights of way should be looking better coming into the autumn months.

In the Okehampton area the sector Ranger has been working with young people at the YHA and South Tawton Primary School on environmental award programmes – education is an important aspect of Ranger work, benefitting the young people and investing in the future of our environment.

Of course, we also have to deal with the negative side of human behaviour and at Fernworthy we are working with the Police and Forestry Commission to tackle a problem of regular illegal raves.

The autumn weather brings a new set of challenges – but more about that another time!

Simon Lee , Ranger Team Manager, Dartmoor National Park

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NOTICEBOARD

Adoption – what’s stopping you?

As people coming forward for adoption is at an all-time low in Devon, Filleigh based charity Families for Children is urging people who may be considering it to take a leap of faith and find out more.

Jakki Parsons, experienced adoption social worker and head of operations says the charity is at a loss as to why there are so few enquiries about adoption across the South West.

Jakki said: ‘We are reminding people that as local authorities are regionalising their services in the South West, people still have a choice as to who can take them through the adoption process. Families for Children is the alternative to the Local Authorities and we need adopters today.

‘There are a growing number of children of all ages waiting for adoptive families and we are urging people to call!’

agencies in providing both preand post-adoption services which are second to none. The agency has worked incredibly hard and is dedicated to ensuring that the work we do is of the highest standard. Our children and families are of greatest importance to us and their comments to OFSTED are testament to the fantastic work of the whole staff team.’

Families for Children celebrates two significant milestones this year; 25 years as a charity and 70 years of holding adoption records.

Families for Children Adoption Agency is delighted to have been awarded ‘Outstanding’ following a recent OFSTED inspection - the third consecutive time the agency has achieved the standard since 2010.

Having recently launched its Atrium Adoption Support Service, the agency now offer s bespoke packages to families and children through a range of therapeutic services and wraparound support to include training plus family support groups, telephone counselling and peer to peer support.

Chief executive Caroline Davis said: ‘It is a real achievement to be recognised as one of the UK’s most prominent adoption

For information about adopting call 01271 612004 or go to www.familiesforchildren.org.uk

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9

NOTICEBOARD

Engine advice for the winter Fuel - the stuff we all need - but apart from its eye-waveringly expensive cost, fuel has its perils for those of us who own motor boat engines, generators or lawn mowers.

The problem is ethanol, which was put in to replace the lead in petrol. The ethanol petrol, when left in your engine for a period of time, starts to evaporate thus leaving water in your carburettor. This issue is not usually encountered with normal car usage as, of course, we use our cars on a regular basis, usually every day, and the moisture then burns off.

However, lawn mowers, generators and boat engines often have long periods of inactivity which leads the ethanol to evaporate and cause moisture. The picture on the left is how your carburettor should look and on the right is one that’s been damaged after being left unemptied for a period of time.

Steve John, director at West Devon-based Abbey Garden Machinery, says: ‘We see a lot of these issues and as soon as a client says they’re having starting problems we suspect that there could be water in the carburettor.’

There is a solution on hand however, if you want to leave fuel in any engine which is not going to be used for a period of time.

Aspen Alkylate Petrol was developed in Sweden in 1980 and Aspen 2 was developed later in 1988 by a fuel expert at Volvo, Roland Elmdng, who saw the potential to develop a fuel which was better for people, better for the environment and providing a better performance from engines.

‘We recommend Aspen if you want to leave your machine without emptying it over a layover period, such as winter,’ Steve added.

For further information regarding Aspen fuel and general advice about engine care you can contact Steve John at Abbey Garden Machinery on 01822 614053.

Visit our showroom to see a large range of garden machinery, tools and accessories. We have equipment to suit the hobby gardener or the professional. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are happy to discuss your requirements and offer advice. The qualified, experienced engineers in our fully equipped workshop can repair or service your existing equipment.

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NOTICEBOARD

Celebrating the work of volunteers Volunteers across the county were thanked for their contribution in their local area during Volunteers’ Week this summer.

Devon Voluntary Action’s (DeVA) partners wanted to help local charities to say ‘thank you’ to volunteers who have made a real difference to the community and the people they work with.

Clare Humphreys, DeVA volunteering support co-ordinator, said: ‘Volunteers are a shining example of how we can all make a difference to individuals and communities every day from improving the environment we live in, spending time with those who may otherwise be lonely and contributing to a range of other essential services and support.’

Devon Voluntary Action (DeVA) is a partnership of locally based organisations providing support to Devon’s voluntary and community sector.

The partnership promotes and supports thriving, vibrant and healthy communities across Devon. By harnessing collective knowledge, skill and experience, DeVA helps the voluntary sector to succeed and grow.

Interested in knowing what volunteer opportunities are available to you? go to www.devonva.org/want_to_volunteer

Computer Problems?

I booked a luxury hotel room for my package holiday, but arrived to find it wasn’t available. I spent the week in a standard room instead. I’ve reported this to my travel agent. Am I entitled to any compensation?

Your holiday was lower in value than what you booked. This means you should be able to get compensation for your inconvenience and any extra costs incurred.

Contact the customer services department of the company you booked your holiday with by email, letter or via the company website.

Make sure to keep a copy of what you send.

Explain fully what went wrong and how much compensation you want.

This should be the difference in cost between the luxury room and the standard room, any costs incurred from staying in the standard room, and what you feel is reasonable compensation for your inconvenience. Make sure you keep receipts for any extra expenses.

its offer is good enough, check whether the company is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). ABTA should be able to mediate between you and the company.

If the company is not a member of ABTA, look for an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This is an independent third party who can help you reach a resolution without going to court. Alternatively, if you paid by credit or debit card, contact the Financial Ombudsman who can mediate.

If you need any more information, or are unsure of your next steps, contact the Citizens’ Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.

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 10am-4pm and Fri 10am-1pm www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk

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11

SPORTS CLUB NEWS

British titles for OCRA Gym, Trampoline & DMT Club OCRA Gym, Trampoline & DMT Club is a fun, friendly club open to everyone. In the last five years it has grown from just six sessions per week to twenty-seven, with 280 members from three to 60 years old.

Gym and trampolining are impressive sports to watch and perform, and with recent Olympic success, are increasingly popular across the country. OCRA offers more than most gym and trampoline clubs, with classes in tumbling, recreational artistic gymnastics, trampolining, double mini-trampoline (DMT), Free-G (based on parkour, tricking and freerunning) and disability gymnastics. In September, it started a class for adults.

In 2017, OCRA set up a session as a British Gymnastics (BG) registered club, ‘OCRA Flyers’, to enable its gymnasts to compete at BG events.

In its first full season of BG competition, the club has had amazing success, achieving four South West squad places and two reserve places, five national development plan (NDP) medals, and two British NDP titles in trampolining and double mini-trampoline. Some parents have volunteered to qualify as judges so that more gymnasts can compete next season.

OCRA gymnasts representing West Devon also won the South West Rotary Youth Games gymnastics competition this year - the third year running that OCRA gymnasts have won the event.

The club is still developing and £16,000 was invested in new equipment last year, but more equipment is needed.

Vicki Pritchard is head coach at the club and is an ex-national Grade A trampolinist. In March, she was made a South West squad coach. She said: ‘The club has progressed so much in the last year due to generous funding from Sport England, the Inner Wheel and Rotary clubs of Okehampton, the Manor House Hotel, and support from Okehampton United Charities, as well as fundraising by club members.

‘We still have a long way to go. We are now raising money for two more 4x4 trampolines, end decks, mats and an inflatable pit to help people learn skills more quickly and to allow us to accommodate more members. The equipment would be used by everyone attending our holiday schemes, multiskills festivals and other events, as well as at our term-time classes.’

OCRA’s ultimate goal is to have a dedicated facility for gym and trampolining to give as many people as possible the opportunity to learn this exhilarating sport and reach their potential.

Any businesses who would like to sponsor the club or anyone who would like to help fundraise should contact Vicki at vicki@ ocrasport.org.uk. The club website is gymandtrampolineclub. ocrasport.org.uk/

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Steve Ward Firefighter and football fan!

Steve Ward, a retained firefighter from North Tawton, has served with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for the last 13 years.

Now 42, he was educated at North Tawton Primary School and Okehampton College before qualifying as an electrician - he’s now a manager for an Exeter-based training provider.

So why become a retained firefighter?

‘I had friends already in the fire service and work colleagues were too, plus my great uncle served at North Tawton Fire Station for 35 years, so there was a family connection too,’ said Steve.

‘We have a good station socially, we are all good friends and I think this definitely helps when you have to attend the nasty incidents, like a serious injury or fatality.

‘We do see some dreadful things sometimes, where it really helps to be part of a strong team, or if you are in a precarious situation, you really have to trust your colleagues.’

‘She was being looked after by two fire fighters, instead of ambulance staff - I think she was quite nervous - but not as nervous as myself and my colleague!’ said Steve.

Away from work, Steve’s great sporting love is football. He plays for the fire service’s Vets Over 35s team which got to the finals of the UK Cup, ultimately losing to West Scotland, and he founded North Tawton’s youth football club in 2012.

Membership has now grown to more than 75 players, ranging in age from five to 15 years.

Retained firefighters can contract for 63 or 84 hours a week.

As Steve explained, North Tawton is a fairly quiet station - he estimated around 120 ‘shouts’ occurred last year, whereas a larger station like Okehampton’s would attend in excess of 300 incidents.

Thanks to more effective building regulations, better fire safety and education, home fires are reducing in number - but with the increase in traffic on the roads, road traffic collisions are on the up. These are particularly noticeable in the holidays, along with summer barn fires - in winter the incidents of flooding and thatch fires increase.

Traffic accidents involving caravans Steve described as ‘horrendous’ in terms of the appearance of the incidents, with debris scattered all over the carriageway - yet thankfully the car occupants were usually uninjured.

Last winter, Steve was involved in the rescue of people affected by the ‘Beast from the East’.

‘We were called to look for five vehicles in the snow but we probably saw about 15 or 20 minor bumps on the way, blue lights everywhere, it was carnage, quite surreal,’ he said.

One of Steve’s most memorable shouts was to a heavily pregnant lady, expecting twins. The RAF helicopter had been called to take her to hospital from North Tawton but couldn’t land because of snow. She ended up being driven to Okehampton Hospital in the back of the fire appliance.

Steve coaches the Under 7s and Under 9s - three other retained firemen are also involved in the club. His three children all share his love and enthusiasm for ‘the beautiful game’ and he is delighted the club has been able to purchase its own ground, following a successful appeal to raise the cash needed to safeguard the field for footballing use.

As a sportsman and firefighter, North Tawton is clearly very important to him.

He said: ‘I think members of the community respect you for what you do in the fire service, for trying to keep the community as safe as possible.

‘No two jobs are the same, you never know what you are going to face when the alerter goes off, it could be a fire alarm sounding or a multi-car RTC on the A30, but I am always pleased to respond.’

Jane Honey

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

13

LOCAL PEOPLE

Mike Davies A busy man with a strong love of the community Councillor, Reverend, Mayor, President - this year, Okehampton resident Mike Davies is certainly going to be wearing quite a few hats!

Mike is a ward member for Okehampton North on West Devon Borough Council and became mayor of the borough in May. He is also Pastor at the Inspiration Church in Okehampton and is president of the town’s Rotary Club. If this wasn’t enough, he’s chair of the OkeRail Forum plus a trustee of local and national charities. He’s clearly a man with an extremely strong sense of community.

to buy a bible and I read it - I was persuaded. I became more involved in the church and I was ordained in 2002.’

Mike was born in Folkestone in Kent - his Dad was a Royal Marine and and his first few years were spent in Singapore, before the family moved back to the UK, where most of his schooling took place in Plymouth.

Having headed up his own accountancy businesses for many years, Mike now works with his wife Justine in their own insurance property surveying company.

As a young man he was a keen canoeist and competed at national and international level during the early 1980s.

Luckily, his first employers, HM Revenue and Customs, were supportive, allowing him the time to commit to a rigorous training programme, but as he somewhat wryly remarked, despite having the benefit of good sponsorship and international travel for several years, he never won any title of note!

So why did this already busy man decide to dip his toes into grassroots democracy?

Qualifying as a chartered tax accountant, he worked in Plymouth and Exeter for several years, before moving to Okehampton in January 2000, having been asked to start a new church - Inspiration - Church of the Nations.

PA CH Av RT RI ai Y STM la M bl E AS e N NU ow S

‘I became a Christian when I was 23,’ said Mike. ‘I had no Christian background before that. I think at that point, like many people, you don’t think about the journey you are on in life. Some colleagues were talking about Christianity, I decided

Mike is responsible for Inspiration in Okehampton and plays a supervisory role in several other churches across the UK.

He joined the town council in 2003 and served as Okehampton’s mayor between 2012 and 2014, before leaving when he was elected to the borough council in 2015.

‘I just wanted to get involved in community affairs,’ said Mike.

‘I certainly thought it was good as a church minister to do so and one of the best ways to do that is through the local council - only thing is you have to get elected first!

‘I do enjoy it - though it can be frustrating when you try and get things done and they don’t happen. We have been pressing for a link road in Okehampton for years but finding the finances is the problem, it will cost millions. I am also chairman of the audit committee, so there’s also a lot of pressure on us to balance our books.’

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Having become mayor he admits to the occasional ‘What have I committed myself to?’ thought, but is looking forward to a busy 12 months in the role.

As chairman of OkeRail, Mike is a passionate campaigner who believes Okehampton deserves a regular passenger rail link with Exeter.

‘It’s such a big geographical area - the other day I had to be in Bere Alston by 8.30am - I had to leave Okehampton at 7.30am and I needed to be in Bridgwater to preach by 11.30 - I only just made it!’ he laughed.

‘I really do think it’s going to happen now. It seemed pie in the sky a few years ago, but now the land’s been allocated for a parkway station and the bigwigs keep turning up here. It will make a huge difference to Okehampton. There are still a lot of people here who don’t have a car but if you could get a regular train into Exeter it would be a huge boost.’

Politically, Mike is a Conservative - in fact, he is chair of Central Devon Conservatives. He said: ‘I was an Independent councillor for many years but then I thought people had a right to know roughly where I stood. I see myself as being middle to left of the party.

‘Actually, I quite often compare the church with politics. When people align themselves to a political party, they don’t always necessarily believe in all its policies. In the same way, you might not believe 60% of what is being preached from a pulpit.’

Mike, a family man with a 12-year-old son, has a packed diary for each and every one of his varied roles. He seems to be the embodiment of that phrase ‘if you want something doing, ask a busy person’.

‘You can either sit at home and moan about things, or you can get out and try and do something about them,’ said the man who definitely tries to practise what he preaches.

Jane Honey

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Rosie Yells A lady whose roots run deep Rosie Yells runs to meet me at her farmhouse. I get the feeling that a lot of Rosie’s life is lived on the run - she is a busy farmer who is passionate about the land, her animals and the community in which she lives.

Rosie was born and brought up at Wonnacott Farm near Lewdown, attending Lew Trenchard Primary School and Okehampton College. She moved from the area for ten years after leaving school - working on a dairy farm in the Midlands where she met her husband Paul - and for the Ministry of Agriculture, as it was then named.

The couple returned to Wonnacott in 1988. It’s where their three children grew up, all of them now involved in agriculture in some way, though they have left Devon.

‘It’s exciting how your children absorb some of the interests and passion you have yourselves. For example, I was always

keen on Ten Tors and all the children did Ten Tors in their time,’ said Rosie, who has played a role in community life ever since the children were young, firstly with the playgroup and then the local schools.

‘In a sense I see the community in the very broadest sense, without boundaries, including the land. I am very passionate about the environment and what we can do to reduce our impact on it.’

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LOCAL PEOPLE

It was this keen interest in the environment that prompted Rosie and Paul to convert their farm to organic - a two year process completed in 2001.

They’ve installed a wood boiler and produce their own wood for heating and hot water and have seen a huge increase in the diversity of flora and fauna in their hedgerows since farming organically.

‘We looked into going organic and it totally surprised us when the figures stacked up. We didn’t want to keep getting bigger and bigger and more intensive, it seemed the wrong treadmill to get on and it was very attractive to be more sustainable. Nearly 20 years on we’ve proved it’s viable for us as a small farm and we have learned a huge amount about our land and our livestock since we took that route,’ said Rosie.

Now they have a small herd of 20 suckler cows for beef and 120 breeding ewes. The wool from the sheep is bought by the Naturalmat company in Topsham, which was keen to source a local supplier of organic wool.

The couple’s organic turkey flock came about by accident, when Rosie decided she’d like to rear her own Christmas turkey. As she admitted, turkeys can be addictive - they now rear about 300

Norfolk Black organic turkeys a year.

Rosie explained that most commercial turkeys are bred using artificial insemination. Because they are fast growing, they have shorter legs and although fertile, don’t have the ability to breed naturally. Her Norfolk Blacks are slow to mature and perfectly able to breed themselves.

‘What I didn’t realise to start with was what great eating qualities they have, so selling organic Norfolk Blacks is almost like a niche within a niche market. It’s been a very interesting journey, even if it’s not one we ever intended to take!’

As passionate advocates of organic farming, Rosie and Paul are Wwoof hosts - nothing to do with dogs, but members of the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms organisation. They offer volunteering opportunities on the farm to people, mainly students, from all over the world who are keen to learn more about the organic movement through practical experience. It’s a practice that Rosie feels is hugely valuable both socially and in terms of education - possibly even more so during these uncertain times prior to the expected move out of Europe.

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place that remains a constant in Rosie’s life - the ancient church of St George in Thrushelton. Known as the farmers’ church, it’s where she was married, where her children were christened, where she rings the bells, helps decorate and where she is now involved in an innovative improvement project to provide woollen runners for the hard wooden pews.

‘We are surrounded by farms and smallholdings with sheep producing wonderful wool that’s generally not valued and is more of a by-product, so I thought there must be some way to use it in our church,’ said Rosie.

Now running for more than two years, beautiful soft wool runners, each one individual, are being created using wool from some 40 fleeces donated locally, which were washed and dried by hand with the help of very many local people.

‘Wool deserves to have a resurgence - it’s infinitely renewable and so much more sustainable than synthetic alternatives. It’s been such an interesting project, it’s really caught the imagination of young and old alike. I’ve been overwhelmed and delighted by the number of people who are involved and many new friendships have been made - it’s been a win, win thing to do,’ smiled Rosie.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION

Post-16 students out and about Students from Okehampton College Post-16 have been getting stuck into a range of volunteering and work experience placements as part of their Year 12 study programmes.

Volunteering takes a range of formats, with some students doing regular sessions to fulfil the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme criteria and others doing one-off placements to support the community and develop their own skills.

This year has included a number of students volunteering at The Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton, with support from the South West Museum Development Programme. The museum is developing its social media presence, particularly through Instagram, as well as Twitter and Facebook, and is also looking to digitise its top ten objects as selected by the students, to add to the Devon Museums Group section of South West Collections Explorer (a project enabled by RAMM and funded by Arts Council England). The students have brought a new perspective on the museum’s collections and stories, while developing transferable skills to help them with their next steps in education, training or work. It’s a winwin situation - for the museum and its visitors - and for the students!

They settled in as part of a multigenerational team of volunteers. The museum benefits from their viewpoints, supports them in enjoying a worthwhile experience and is building closer links with Okehampton College. It is hoped the project will continue next year with more students volunteering at the museum.

at Lakeside, Roadford Lake

Many students in Post-16 also undertake ‘in-school volunteering’ - some examples from include manning the library, working with Year 7 English pupils to develop reading, meeting and greeting visitors at Parents’ Evening, running Sports’ Day and supporting local primary schools with various events.

Work experience occurs at the end of Year 12 and this year’s students managed to secure an impressive range of placements in which to develop their skills and understanding of the world of work. These included organisations such as The Met Office, University of Surrey, LAS Aerospace Ltd, South West Archeaology Ltd, Mott MacDonald, Rothemsted Research, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Exeter Cathedral, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and The University of Birmingham.

Neil Sproats, Post-16 Leader at Okehampton College, said: ‘The huge sense of satisfaction, the skills gained and the ability to give back to the community are all the reasons why we encourage our students to partake in volunteering. It really does help to develop young people and I am very pleased that we have a culture where most of our students are willing to give up their time to support volunteering projects.

‘As well as the altruistic reasons, anyone who volunteers can also improve their CV and this is becoming a greater focus for employers during recruitment.’

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SCHOOL EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

New school to welcome first pupils in September!

St James Church of England Primary and Nursery School in Okehampton is preparing to welcome its first reception pupils.

Opening in September 2018, the school will be based in the grounds of Okehampton Primary until its new building is ready for occupation in early 2019.

The school is already setting its own traditions, starting with the first ever Feast of St James, which bought together all members of the school community to share an informal lunch.

The children enjoyed party games and helped cut a cake made specially to mark the occasion.

The first cohort will benefit from exceptional staff to pupil ratios and a curriculum that is tailored to their specific interests. There will be an emphasis on taking learning outdoors and children will enjoy a variety of activities such as nature walks, kite flying, pond dipping and forest school.

Head of school Suzie Stevens said: ‘It was wonderful to welcome everyone to the Feast of St James, and lovely to see the children already feeling so at home in their new school.

Whilst we are looking forward to being in our new building,

a school is more than bricks and mortar and through events like this, we are already developing a sense of identity and community from which to grow the school.’

Chair of Governors, John Searson, director of education for the Diocese of Exeter, said: ‘We know how important this new provision is for Okehampton’s growing number of children and families. Our ability to open this school so quickly, after years of expectation, has only been made possible through the excellent support and encouragement we have had on the ground from the local governing board of Okehampton Primary, the directors of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, the county council, town council and local churches. We thank them all and look forward to even closer collaboration once we are open!’

The school is accepting admissions to reception until the start of term, after which applications can be made via the in-year admissions process. For more information, please contact the school at admin@stjamesokehampton.co.uk

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CHARITY FOCUS

Morecare Moretonhampstead A lifeline in more ways than one Drive through beautiful countryside and help others at the same time, what could be better?

Covering the Dartmoor countryside from Postbridge to Bridford and from Drewsteignton to Manaton, Morecare Moretonhampstead provides hospital and other transport for people of all ages in the area covered by the Moretonhampstead surgery. We do not charge a fee but just ask for a donation to help cover the fuel that our volunteers use. Because we cover such a large area we have patients who go to all the major hospitals at Exeter, Torbay, Plymouth, as well as Newton Abbot and Okehampton.

We are part of local life, helping people to live in their own homes and keep their independence. Where you might have a problem getting to the shops, we can help by taking you there and transporting you and your shopping home. We get to know the people who use our services and may ring and chat to them if we know that life is being particularly difficult.

Morecare is an organisation that believes in growing to meet the challenges of modern living. So in the last few years we have looked at providing wheelchair transport. This is not easily done in a town like Moretonhampstead. It was too

expensive to have our own minibus, so we buy in the services of the two community transport providers in Newton Abbot and Okehampton. We felt that it was unfair that our residents who are disabled should have to pay up to three times as much for this transport (because the buses have to travel a lot further) so we subsidise the cost and the suggested donation for a journey is exactly the same whether you are able bodied or not.

Morecare provides more services than just driving. We have a free monthly coffee morning for our clients and volunteers, so that they get to know each other and enjoy a morning out.

We visit people in their homes and can help prepare for their arrival home if they have been in hospital for a spell. We pick up and deliver prescriptions, we visit residents in the local care home, we dog walk and will help individuals who want to visit friends who are ill.

We have had to bring ourselves up to date by taking on the reams of paperwork and regulations that cover any modern charity. So policies to cover all eventualities have to be written to protect both client and volunteer. We have a website which will tell you much more (http://www.morecare. org.uk).

In the past, Hospital Transport would have covered many of the journeys that are now done by volunteer transport. In 2013 Morecare considered that it had had a hectic month when it made 60 journeys to hospital and back in a month. In 2017 that figure had grown to 138 in our busiest months.

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CHARITY FOCUS

All this is done by volunteers – there are no paid individuals in the organisation, so you can imagine that we always need new volunteers – we need: People who are willing to drive – short or longer journeys – you choose spend time with people – chatting and just being there answer the telephones help with social events take on some of the organisation of the charity Drivers choose when they wish to take clients by accepting the journeys that suit, at times that are convenient to them.

You can drive any distance or just locally the choice is entirely yours. You get paid 45p per mile for the mileage you do.

People who answer the phones do more than just book the journeys. They are the voice of Morecare. They become known to the clients and are often the first to know if there is a problem. When there are difficult times, like heavy snowfall or as recently with the heat, they will contact those most vulnerable clients to check that they are ok. They also have to be computer literate because the journeys are booked onto a simple online calendar system.

Morecare is a charity and needs to raise money to pay for its activities, this does not necessarily mean slaving over a hot stove but could be organising a quiz or a dance or a skittles evening. It needs people who are sociable to organise and take part – volunteers are always needed.

Organisers are people willing to help run the charity – manage the money, keep Morecare up to date and look to the future.

Some volunteers do all of the above and others choose to do what they wish, and that is exactly as we want it!

If you would like to join us, you can contact us by email at morecare27@gmail.com or by phone on 08006226245, please leave a message if we are out transporting someone.

Fiona Peal Morecare Moretonhampstead

New Veterinary Centre in Chagford

On Monday 14th May 2018, following many months of renovations and planning, Okeford Veterinary Centre proudly opened its new premises at The Old Exchange, Chagford. Okeford has had a presence in the town for many years, originally set up in the 1960s by Mr Bob Young who first started out in his own back yard before moving to our previous branch location in the town square.

This move prompts plenty of exciting changes aimed at giving our patients and clients an all round better service. In contrast to previous years where consults were limited to a few hours each day we are now able to offer consultations by appointment Monday-Friday, between 9am-5pm with either a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse, offering clients more flexibility and a more bespoke service. For instance our wide range of varied nurse clinics, held with experienced veterinary nurses, can offer clients advice on the care of their pets. Clinical director Kirstin Phippard, RCVS recognised advanced practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology will also be running a monthly dermatology clinic at the Chagford branch.

Furthermore we are able to offer in house blood and urine testing, fluid therapy, x-rays, dental work and routine surgery, all of which can now be carried out in a convenient location within a calming atmosphere.

Based on the outskirts of the town we remain in an easy to reach location. It is a short stroll from the centre of the town and we are able to offer parking facilities to the rear of the practice.

Contact:

01837 52148 • School Way, Okehampton EX20 1EU 01647 432488 • The Old Exchange, Chagford TQ13 8BZ

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HEALTH HEALTH & WELLBEING & BEAUTY

Chinese Herbal Medicine - wisdom from the East How an inspirational book sparked a complete change of life for Clare Mulligan In 2006 I emigrated to Australia looking for a sea change from an unfulfilling city career. That change came in the form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) after happening upon a book The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted J Kaptchuk.

This classic, comprehensive and often poetic guide to the theory and practice of TCM integrates the seemingly opposing paradigms of an ancient medical system and modern biomedicine. Through this, I found many new and fascinating insights into the connections between illness and health and the relationship of mental, spiritual, and physical wellbeing.

Feeling inspired, I embarked on a journey to become a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, studying many of the limbs of TCM including Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), Tui-Na (remedial massage) and Qi-Gong (exercise therapy), however, my passion was always the herbs.

CHM is one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the third century BC. It offers a systematic approach and high clinical effectiveness in the treatment of many diseases. Based on the concepts of Yin and Yang, it aims to understand and treat the many ways in which the balance and harmony between these two interdependent opposites may be undermined and the ways in which a person’s ‘Qi’ (energy) or vitality may be depleted or blocked.

On returning to the UK I lived at a small herb farm in South West Devon and learned how many of our own native plants could be used effectively while employing the concepts of the TCM paradigm and I now often combine both Chinese herbs and native medicinal plants in the same prescription, utilising both traditional Chinese methods of administration with those generally employed in western herbalism, depending on which best suits the condition presented. The strength of CHM is that it uses formulas rather than single herbs, whereby often 10 to 20 different herbs are used together for a synergistic approach. This synergy means that, for example, instead of two herbs being twice as strong as one. they can be five times as strong!

forms, create great difficulty for conventional medicine, while I have found that CHM has a great deal to offer in these cases. I have also seen how effective the herbal treatments can be in counteracting the negative side effects of conventional medications and how well the herbs can work alongside other therapies such as acupuncture or massage, where each healing modality can focus on different aspects of the imbalance.

Four years ago, I happened upon Source Point Community Health CIC, a community clinic in Moretonhampstead. It is set up as a ward style system as is common in Asia, using a multibed approach allowing up to seven people to be treated simultaneously by two clinicians, thus reducing the cost of treatment to an affordable level.

Inspired by the ethical and community focus of Source Point, I joined their highly skilled clinical team, which currently provides Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Chinese Remedial Massage services to the local community on a ‘pay what you can afford’ basis. In the very near future we will also be adding Qi Gong exercise classes and Dietary and Lifestyle courses to our services together with a free acupuncture clinic for those on low income funded by the National Lottery (starting in September 2018).

If you are interested to learn more about how CHM or TCM in general could help you, go to www.sourcepoint.org.uk email info@sourcepoint.org.uk or call 07792 830016.

Through experience I have learned that CHM can be beneficial in many conditions including skin diseases, gastro-intestinal disorders, gynaecological conditions, infertility, sleep disorders, respiratory conditions and psychological disorders including depression, stress and anxiety to name but a few. Many of these conditions, especially in their chronic 23

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HEALTH HEALTH & WELLBEING & BEAUTY

Beating tick bites This summer there have been many calls to Okehampton Medical Centre regarding ticks. Dr Emma Chapman shares her advice on these nasty insects and their bites Spending time outdoors can be fun and healthy but tick bites can cause health risks. If you enjoy activities like camping, hiking, golfing, gardening and generally being outdoors you could be at risk of contracting Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a serious illness which can be spread to humans from the bite of an infected tick. Ticks are active all year round but you’re at higher risk during March – October.

Ticks live in grass, bushes, shrubs and low-growing foliage.

They usually come into contact with your feet, ankles and legs first. High risk areas include wooded areas, grassy fields, beaches and nature parks.

Wear light-coloured clothing as it makes it easier to see ticks crawling on your or your clothes.

When using footpaths or trails, stay in the centre of them and don’t walk in the tall grass at the sides.

After returning inside check yourself and your children for ticks thoroughly. Inspect your pets too!

Nick Rush Clinical Dental Technician, Honorary Lecturer Peninsula Dental School.

Don’t use a lit cigarette, a match head, alcohol or petroleum jelly to force the tick out.

Lyme disease can be effectively treated if spotted early on. But if treatment is delayed, there’s a risk you could develop severe and long-lasting symptoms. Many people with early-stage Lyme disease develop a distinctive circular rash at the site of the bite, usually around three to 30 days after being bitten. It is described as looking like a bull’s-eye on a dart board. Some may develop several rashes in different parts of their body and some won’t develop a rash at all. Some people will also experience flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, muscle and joint pain, headaches, a high temperature, chills and neck stiffness. More serious symptoms may develop if Lyme disease is left untreated or is not treated early on. You should see your GP if you develop any of the symptoms described above after being bitten by a tick.

Dr Emma Chapman, Okehampton Medical Centre

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Wash your skin with water and soap and apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.

Lyme Disease

Apply an insect repellent to any exposed skin. Look for specific reference to ticks on the label and apply as instructed.

The groin (between the legs), back of knees, armpits, scalp inside the belly button, in and around ears, around the waist, in and around all body hair.

To remove a tick: Use tweezers that won’t squash the tick or use a tick removal tool

Pull steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick

When outdoors cover yourself as much as possible by wearing a long sleeved shirt and long trousers. Tuck your socks into your trousers to reduce exposed skin.

Where ticks usually bite:

If a tick is attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible to reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible to ensure the tick’s mouth isn’t left in the skin

Preventing bites:

Remove any found ticks as soon as possible. Bathing soon after coming indoors is a good way to spot ticks on adults and children.

Removing a Tick

BEFORE: Worn teeth with incorrect bite

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GARDENING

Autumnal interest Some plants have yet to reach their peak...

Symphyotrichum ericoides ‘Pink Cloud Images RHS/Sheila Dearing’

Sally Newbrook

Summer may be drawing to a close but late flowering perennials and shrubs should still look good, in fact some plants will be reaching their peak. If you’re wanting to extend the season even further consider choosing those with attractive seed-heads and berries which also provide food for wildlife.

Here are a selection of my favourite plants and shrubs for September and October: Ornamental grasses are brilliant as architectural features in the garden, now reaching their ultimate height with crisp leaves and swishing seed heads that glow in orange autumnal sun. Low maintenance once established, they are happy in a moist but well drained soil with good sunlight.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ has a lot to offer. This subtly variegated variety has a large, yet compact shape.

Flowers like pink feather dusters emerge

in early autumn turning silvery beige as they set seed, they look truly stunning encapsulated by frost and also provide a source of late season food for foraging birds.

Many members of the daisy (aster) family should still be looking great too.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’, a mid-height plant with rich yellow blooms works well with grasses and other warm coloured perennials in the mid-front of a border. Leave the seed heads for the birds and you may also receive a beautiful frosty display.

Symphyotrichum ericoides ‘Pink Cloud’ is a delicate little aster ideal for the front of a flower bed with tiny pink blooms that go on and on, perfect for late season pollinators.

Penstemon deserve a mention here.

These small perennials work well as

gap fillers in beds or containers. We use several cultivars at Rosemoor, my favourite being ‘Hidcote Pink’. Pretty pink bell flowers are sent up from earlysummer well into autumn, providing you regularly deadhead them. They can suffer in colder winters so take cuttings of non-flowering material in late summer to replace any losses.

Hydrangeas are great for late season colour and can tolerate semi-shady spots with moist soil. One of my favourites is Hydrangea paniculata ‘Silver dollar’ a lovely small-sized variety whose upright panicles of fresh creamy flowers fading to pink and then brown are elegant and long lasting.

Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’ is a hefty reliable plant with simple white flowers that turn into handfuls of glistening red hips, also a good source of food for many birds.

The rose foliage itself goes an attractive autumnal gold.

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GARDENING

Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’ (Ru)

Top tips

Penstemon ‘Hidcote Pink’

Plant

Spring bulbs As autumn progresses with cooler temperatures and darker evenings you can begin to plan for spring. October is a good month to buy and plant most spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocus (corms), Muscari and hyacinths.

Tulips are better planted November to December when colder temperatures reduce the risk of diseases.

In lawns you could try large groupings of Narcissus obvallaris, a good all-rounder that can tolerate damper soil conditions, its tidy foliage and pleasant blooms also suit beds, borders and pots.

Muscari look lovely in the ground or in containers alongside other larger bulbs.

We use ‘Valerie Finnis’ a nice pale blue variety that also attracts pollinators.

Lastly, for something different ,why not plant Scilla ‘Blue Giant’? This robust yet delicate bulb will produce a carpet of blue star flowers with pale centres at a height of 15cm.

Bulbs should generally be planted at a depth 3 times their own height. Discard any that are very soft or mouldy as these may spread disease to the soil. Squirrels are extremely fond of crocus corms so if you find this a problem cover containers or ground with chicken wire if possible.

Harvest Collect seed from perennials and hardy annuals such as marigolds and nasturtiums to sow now or in early spring. Continue harvesting veg and autumn fruiting raspberries.

Late autumn can be a good time for planting herbaceous perennials, trees and spring bedding. The summer heat has mellowed and soil moisture increases so plants have a chance to get their roots down before the first frosts.

Protect Lift tender perennials such as Dahlias towards the end of this period. Knock dirt off the tubers and store them upside down in a dry, well ventilated spot ready for potting on in the spring.

Cut back Use shears to shorten tall flowering shoots on bush and shrub roses to prevent wind rock. Continue to cut back and tidy herbaceous perennials as they go over.

Sally Newbrook, Horticulturist, RHS Rosemoor

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September and October Event highlights The Open Art Exhibition 7 – 23 September Autumn Design For Living Fair 7 – 9 September

Amazing Autumn

Real Ale & Gin Fest 28 – 30 September Apple Festival 6 & 7 October Autumn Woodfest Sponsored by Stihl 12 – 14 October Room on the Broom Movie and Pumpkin Carving 26 – 28 October

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FARMING DIARY

It’s been a perfect storm!

Farmer Stuart Luxton considers the implications of a long, hot summer Hello again everyone, by the time you read this we will be heading into autumn. I’m sure you will all have enjoyed the lovely sunny summer weather. While the warm conditions were a change from some of the summers we have had recently, the lack of rain has made livestock farming very difficult.

Yields of hay and silage were lower than usual, meaning that we wouldn’t have had enough to feed the animals through the winter months. This has been further compounded by the fact that we have had to start feeding the animals in the fields as there is no grass left to graze - our normally green and pleasant land has taken on a somewhat scorched appearance.

Normally we would be able to buy extra forage, but because everyone is in the same boat and no-one has a surplus, there is very little to buy and what is available is very expensive and usually very poor quality. Hopefully we will have had some meaningful rain and we might be experiencing a second spring. If it has stayed dry there will be some serious repercussions next year too. If there is little to eat conception rates will be low, therefore there will be less offspring from the lambing and calving next year.

I think it’s what is referred to as a perfect storm.

The good news though, is that the harvesting has been pretty easy, hay was made easily in hot sun and the combines have finished their work weeks ahead of the usual September.

If anyone has a good rain dance I would be interested in learning it!

This summer has been eventful at the shop. We started building an extension in February, this was finished and opened in early August, by the time you read this the café will be open too. It has been very exciting watching all the plans taking shape this year.

The last month of the build was very stressful with lots of upheaval - our customers and staff deserve immense credit for taking all the changes in their stride. Now it is finished it has exceeded all our expectations.

The shop floor area has doubled and we have also added a café.

The feedback from our customers has so far been beyond belief. I know it’s early days but the atmosphere is lovely and its seems to be such a pleasure to be at work.

On a more worrying note the next time I write it will be for the Christmas edition, time seems to fly by.

Stuart Luxton

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WHAT’S ON

REGULARS

1 - 8 SEPTEMBER MISCHIEF MAKERS SUMMER READING It’s the last chance to finish the six book reading challenge at Okehampton Library.

TUESDAYS (DURING TERM TIME) Tai Chi for good health, relaxation and vitality, 11.40am - 12.40pm, Church House, South Tawton. Everyone welcome. Contact Kate Dixon, kate@forestchi.co.uk Tel: 01837 840959 www.forestchi.co.uk

7 SEPTEMBER SOURTON HALL BIG QUIZ With quiz master Graham Crocker. £10 for a team of four (maximum of six), £2.50 for extra team members. Fee includes nibbles. Bar and food available. 7.30pm start - email sourtonvh@gmail.com for an entry form.

EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY GENTLE YOGA Classes for all abilities between 9am and 10am at Toast Wellness Centre, Okehampton. £5 drop in class.

TUESDAYS At Okehampton Library - 10am until 10.30am, Bounce & Rhyme for over one year olds; 11am until 11.30am, Bounce and Rhyme for under one year olds. Last Tuesday of the month, Bookworms - a book club for children aged seven to eleven between 3.45pm and 4.45pm. Free, no booking necessary.

WEDNESDAYS At Okehampton Library, 9.30am until 10.15am, Duplo Builders and Storytime for children up to five. Free, no booking necessary.

SATURDAYS At Okehampton Library, Lego Builders for children aged five plus, between 10.30am and 11.30am. Free, no booking necessary.

September

7 SEPTEMBER MEET THE THERAPIST Many different therapists and instructors will be on hand at Toast in Okehampton to show what they have to offer. 4.30pm until 6.30pm in the café area. Please let Toast know if you intend to attend. 10% off treatments booked. 01837 54494.

8 SEPTEMBER - 11 SEPTEMBER ART EXHIBITION At The Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton. Contemporary artists The Wayward Group present ‘Dartmoor Visions’.

14 SEPTEMBER HARVEST WORKERS’ CO-OP FOOD & FILM NIGHT A film screening of ‘We the Uncivilised’ - an inspiring film which explores our yearning to live in relationship with one another and the natural world. 6.30pm for

food, 7.30pm for just film, at The Ockment Centre, North Street. 01837 318050.

15 SEPTEMBER TABLE TOP MAGIC With Duncan Norris, at Toast in Okehampton. Tickets cost £12.95 to include a nine inch pizza. Booking essential. 01837 54494.

15 SEPTEMBER - 27 OCTOBER ANITA REYNOLDS: DARTMOOR - 365 SQUARE MILES An exhibition at Green Hill Arts, Moretonhampstead, featuring work by Anita Reynolds and including paintings, printmaking, photography and film supported by sketches and mini prints.

15 & 16 SEPTEMBER TASTE OF AUTUMN ARTISAN FOOD FAIR More than 30 top artisan food producers from all over the UK will attend this event at RHS Rosemoor, with the opportunity to try and buy. 10am until 4pm daily. Normal garden admission applies 19 SEPTEMBER MORETONHAMPSTEAD HISTORY SOCIETY Ancient Houses of Exeter - a talk by John Allan, 7.30pm at the Union Inn. For more information call 01647 441083 or go to www.moretonhampstead.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Film festival chairman looks forward to this year’s big event The idea of Chagford hosting a film festival was born during a pub conversation amongst friends - seven years on, little did landlady Mary French realise what a huge success the annual event was set to be!

involving the school children - they will all be coming to see the plane.

As chairman of Chagford Film Festival, Mary said she loved organising the event and was blessed with a wonderful committee of volunteers who have a joint ‘can do’ attitude - and never believe that anything is impossible!

‘I hope we will attract people in from further afield this year, it really is worth a trip to such a beautiful town, right in the heart of Dartmoor, to see a film, or take part in a workshop, have a special meal or even meet an Oscar winner!’

Mary said: ‘I always loved all the old films and I used to collect all the posters. The idea behind the event initially was to have a bit of fun and boost the economy in Chagford, not only for that week but with the idea that once people had been here and seen how lovely it is, they would come back - but the festival has become a monster and it can’t stop growing!

‘Over the years we have had some amazing people come and some incredible visits - we had the batmobile one year, that caused a bit of an uproar

‘Most of the businesses are getting involved, they are showing films in their shops, they are dressing their windows, they are taking part in as many ways as they can.

coming into town, we had a mechanical elephant that had performed in front of the Queen and this year we have this World War I plane.’

Mary said it was wonderful to feel the buzz that the event created throughout the town during film festival week and that people were already getting excited about this year’s programme.

‘We have a link with the University of Exeter this year with 50 language and film students attending and we are

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WHAT’S ON

It’s fantastic in every way!

Make a date for Chagford Film Festival A sensational celebration of everything celluloid is due to take place on Dartmoor this September, as the town stages the seventh Chagford Film Festival.

A sensational celebration of everything celluloid takes place on Dartmoor this September, as the town stages the seventh Chagford Film Festival.

wide area - it should be a real showcase for Chagford and most importantly, provide brilliant entertainment for everyone, whatever their age or taste.’

It’s rare enough to hold this type of event in major towns or cities - to produce a full six-day, packed programme of events with a budget of some £20,000 in a tiny rural town like Chagford is an incredible feat!

The Grand Opening Night on September 24th sees the innovative, much loved and internationally renowned theatre, film, exhibition and animation company Forkbeard Fantasy performing their first live performance for five years. These riotously funny actors present The Brittonioni Brothers in The Jubilee Hall.

Expect top quality entertainment across a wide range of film genres in venues such as Endecott House, the Jubilee Hall, The Globe, the parish church and in pop-up cinemas. The hardworking volunteers organising the festival strive to include something to please everyone - and amazingly, at each and every one since its inception, they have managed to entice an Oscar-winner to come along.

Gareth Unwin, the awardwinning producer of The King’s Speech described Chagford Film Festival after his attendance in 2011 as ‘The best small film festival in the world’.

This year’s special guest is Chris Dickens, who won an Oscar for his editorial work on Slumdog Millionaire. Chris will talk about editing on the Friday evening of the festival, to be followed by a showing of another of his films, Suite Francaise.

The festival’s nominated charity this year is Deaflink - the organisation which works to ensure inclusion and equal access for persons with sensory disabilities. In recognition of this, the Oscar-winning short film The Silent Child, along with a specially recorded introduction by its writer and star Rachel Shenton, will be shown several times during the week.

Sara Squire, a member of the organising committee, said: ‘With around 17 films to see, an amazing special exhibit, top guests, free events, themed nights in restaurants and local businesses getting involved, it’s really generating quite a buzz in Chagford.

‘We are aiming to bring people into the town from quite a 32

For the first time the festival is working with the University of Exeter and presenting a Pedro Amoldovar Day on September 25th - when the work of the renowned Spanish film director is celebrated with showings of three of his films. Appropriately, eateries in Chagford will be offering tapas-style meals to complement the Spanish vibe.

Another stunning sight in Chagford during the Tuesday and Wednesday of the film festival will be a Bristol Scout aircraft, originally flown by F D H Bremner in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. Bremner’s grandsons Rick and David have re-built the plane to the exact specifications of the original from design drawings found in their grandfather’s garage and the film Bristol Scout - Rebuilding History showcases in St Michael’s Church. In commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War, producer Stephen Saunders will be returning to Chagford with his new film, War Above the Trenches, which details the desperate battle for air supremacy on the Western Front. Stephen will attend a Q & A session following the film showing in the The Globe Cinema, which also hosts a showing of the Oscarwinning A Fantastic Woman the same day.

When the organisers say they want to provide entertainment for all - they really mean it! On the afternoon of Thursday, September 27th there will be an exclusive pet screening of the animated comedy Isle of Dogs at Endecott House, to which man’s best friend is cordially invited - complementary dog biscuits and water will be provided! With a star-studded voice cast, it’s a film not to miss...

The extraordinary life of actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr comes under the spotlight on the Thursday of the festival,

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WHAT’S ON

Photo credit: Dawn Jutton

at a special screening of Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story in Endecott House.

Produced by Susan Sarandon, the film follows the life story of Lamarr from her youth during the Second World War in Nazi-ruled Austria, her six marriages, her landmark inventions and her work with the eccentric Howard Hughes.

For dance lovers, during the evening, you can see a screening of 1984 by the Northern Ballet Company in the beautiful setting of St Michael’s Church.

And if you are interested in the work of the British Board on Film Classifcation, the organisation will be making the journey to Devon to give an oversight of their work.

For youngsters, Saturday, September 29th sees Brick and Mix, an independent Lego shop, encouraging creativity in the Jubilee Hall before a screening of The Lego Movie. Rounding off a brilliant week of films is the larger than life, smash hit musical The Greatest Showman - a special sing-a-long version being shown at Endecott House, alongside the original at the Globe Cinema and including a champagne reception and after show entertainment.

To echo the P T Barnum story, during the afternoon there will be a circus workshop which will be followed by the grand parade at 6pm before the film screening - expect riotous colour, music and fun all the way!

One thing is for sure, Chagford is THE place to be during the week of September 24th to 29th - for the most up to date programme information, go to www.chagfordfilmfestival.com The organisers would like to thank their funders West Devon Borough Council, Devon County Council and The Elmgrant Trust for their support and all local businesses which have got involved with the festival.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Chagford Film Festival runs the week of September 24th to 29th

www.chagfordfilmfestival.com 33

WHAT’S ON 19 SEPTEMBER TEA AND TALK ‘Snippets of History and the Techniques of Stained Glass’ - a talk by Alan Endacott at the Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton, at 2pm. £4 entry, to include refreshments.

21 & 22 SEPTEMBER ART EXHIBITION The annual art exhibition of Okehampton Art Group, held at the church hall, Okehampton, next door to Co-op and opposite the Charter Hall. Open 9.30am until 4 pm each day. This long established group will be showing a variety of their paintings, prints and cards most of which will be for sale. Free entry, raffle, teas and coffees and a selection of cakes. Contact any member or Janet Jarvis, secretary, jarvissteve@tiscali.co.uk 21 SEPTEMBER GIN COCKTAIL MAKING SESSION Tom from Salcombe Gin will be showing you how to make your very own cocktails at Toast in Okehampton. Canapés will be served. Tickets £30 to include three cocktails. Advance booking essential.

01837 54494.

22 SEPTEMBER AUTUMN FEAST AND KILN FIRING A chance to come together as a community to taste food prepared with fruit and vegetables produced by local growers.

There will be music, dancing, a raffle,

licensed bar and a special kiln firing until the early hours. 7pm until 11pm. £10 per person for supper in Moretonhampstead Parish Hall. Book online at www. greenhillarts.co.uk 22 SEPTEMBER COSGRAVE AND BANKS See Music and Art for more information 24 SEPTEMBER PLANT HERITAGE AUTUMN PLANT FAIR A wide variety of rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials from local nurseries on display and for sale under the Plant Heritage banner at RHS Rosemoor. 10am until 3pm.

Normal garden admission applies.

27 SEPTEMBER NORTH DARTMOOR GARDEN CLUB ‘Botanical Ramblings in Transylvania’ - an illustrated talk by David Eno at 7.30pm at Beastone Village Hall.

27 SEPTEMBER FOREST CHI Tai Chi and Nature Day, 10am - 3pm at Taw Bottom, South Tawton. Contact Kate Dixon: kate@forestchi.co.uk Tel: 01837 840959, or visit the website: www. forestchi.co.uk 27-29 SEPTEMBER STAPLEDON A new play written by MED Theatre’s Artistic Director Mark Beeson and performed by a community cast from

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the Dartmoor area. This historical drama charts the life of Walter Stapledon Bishop of Exeter – from his humble origins coming from a farming family in North Devon, through his meteoric rise in the church and politics to become King Edward the Second’s most trusted diplomat, to his murder by a London mob in 1326. His life is counterpointed by the story of a farming family on Dartmoor during the Great Famine. Performances at 7.30pm in St Andrew’s Church, Ashburton. Tickets £8 / £5 children under 16. Tickets from www.medtheatre.co.uk 28 - 30 SEPTEMBER REAL ALE AND GIN FESTIVAL At RHS Rosemoor. A range of interesting, unusual and eminently quaffable real ales all served direct from the barrel - plus a gin bar, wines and ciders, live music and entertainment. Noon until midnight on the Saturday, noon until 5pm on the Sunday.

29 SEPTEMBER HARVEST WORKERS’ CO-OP FAMILY WORKSHOP Come and join in with some autumnal cooking, seasonal celebrations, gardening, natural crafts, play and storytelling. FREE funded through Learn Devon. 2pm-4pm at The Eco Hub, Okehampton College. 01837 318050.

29 SEPTEMBER DIVING FOR PEARLS This local six-piece band performs an eclectic mix of blues, funk and rock and promises a great night out. See Diving for Pearls at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall at 7.30pm. Bar available. Tickets £8 available from The New Inn, Nicky on 01837 880300 or on the door.

29 SEPTEMBER STEVE KNIGHTLY IN CONCERT At St John’s Church, North Bovey. See Music and Art for more information.

29 SEPTEMBER PRE-LOVED OCCASIONWEAR SALE To be held between 10 am and 4 pm at

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WHAT’S ON Lifton Community Centre. New and preloved wedding dresses, adult and child’s bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride outfits, men’s and boys’ suits. Plus shoes, hats, bags and accessories. Cash sales only, raffle and refreshments. All proceeds to Launceston Foodbank.

29 SEPTEMBER JAZZ WITH LOUISE PARKER

• • • • • • •

At Toast in Okehampton. Tickets £20 to include a deli platter and trio of desserts.

Advance booking essential. 01837 54494.

October 5 OCTOBER AUTUMNAL HEALTH NUTRITION TALK Seasonal eating and naturopathic tips for

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immune function, energy and preparation for winter. Talk by nutritionist Ellen McCallum. £5. 7pm-8.30pm at The Eco Hub, Okehampton College. 01837 318050.

6 & 7 OCTOBER POWDERHAM FOOD FESTIVAL Food and drink producers in the South West as well as a select group of high quality gifts and crafts. See www.powderhamfoodfestival.com

SALE OF COLLECTORS’ ITEMS, STAMPS, COINS, MEDALS & TOYS On Tuesday 9th October

Private collection of model railway SOLD £35,000

SALE OF ANTIQUES & ART, WINES & SPIRITS On Tuesday 20th November

Neapolitan School, Extensive view of Naples (detail) SOLD £5,200

SALE OF SILVER, GOLD, WATCHES & JEWELLERY On Tuesday 4th December

Opal & diamond pendant Pr. Corinthian column SOLD £1,450 silver candlesticks

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HISTORY

6 OCTOBER FUN PALACE SATURDAY At Okehampton Library. Annual event of arts, science, tech, digital and sports events and activities, run by the community for the community. If you are interested in sharing a skill, with your community please contact the library. If you want to learn a new skill please come along to the Okehampton Fun Palace.

19 OCTOBER TEDBURN ST MARY COMMUNITY CHOIR The 45-strong choir will sing a selection of the songs you love to hear with dynamism and harmony at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall. Drinks available from the bar.

The concert begins at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and are available from the New Inn, Sampford Courtenay or call 01837 851659.

Learn Devon. 2pm-4pm at The Eco Hub, Okehampton College. 01837 318050.

7 OCTOBER FARM VISIT: WEST TOWN FARM Autumnal Farm Walk with Fireside cooking. A slow guided walk through woodland, field and orchard. Notice and experience nature on this beautiful stewardship farm. Forage for food, cook around the fire and celebrate this glorious season. £10 per person (£8 reduced rate). 2-5.30pm at West Town Farm, Ide, Exeter. 01837 318050. Transport from Okehampton can be provided.

20 OCTOBER COFFEE MORNING Okehampton Friends of Hospiscare host a coffee morning at the Church Hall, Market Street, Okehampton between 9.30am and noon. Cakes, bric a brac, raffle, Christmas cards and books. All welcome to help us raise funds to care for local people living with life-limiting illness.

November

8 - 13 OCTOBER LIBRARIES WEEK Lots of events taking place during this annual event. See www.devonlibraries. org.uk for details.

10 OCTOBER TEA AND TALK ‘The Roman Forts of Okehampton and North Tawton’ by county archaeologist Bill Homer at The Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton at 2pm. £4 entry includes refreshments.

13 OCTOBER THE TIN FOREST A show presented by PuppetCraft at Bratton Clovelly Parish Hall. See Music and Art for more information.

17 OCTOBER MORETONHAMPSTEAD HISTORY SOCIETY The Benedictine Overloads of Doccombe Manor - a talk by Prof James Clark at 7.30pm at the Union Inn. Call 01647 441083 or go to www.moretonhampstead. org.uk

21 OCTOBER OPEN GARDEN At Andrew’s Corner, Belstone EX20 1RD in aid of the National Garden Scheme.

The garden is open between 2pm and 5pm. For more information go to www. andrewscorner.garden 25 OCTOBER NORTH DARTMOOR GARDEN CLUB ‘Growing Veg the Old Fashioned Way’ - a talk with Nick Bacon at Belstone Village Hall at 7.30pm.

26 OCTOBER MUSEUMS AT NIGHT The Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton takes part in this natural festival. Expect spooky trails, crafts, storytelling and much more. 6pm until 8pm. Entry £3.50 per child, accompanying adults free.

27 OCTOBER HARVEST WORKERS’ CO-OP FAMILY WORKSHOP Autumnal cooking, seasonal celebrations, gardening, natural crafts, play and storytelling. FREE - funded through

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

28 OCTOBER OPEN GARDEN Autumn colour in the garden at Andrew’s Corner, Belstone, to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West, between 11am and 4pm. All day refreshments. More information can be found at www.andrewscorner.garden

5 NOVEMBER LIFE DRAWING DAY To be held at the parish hall in Moretonhampstead, with professional models, male and female, in a relaxed and friendly environment. All welcome whether an established artist or absolute beginner.

This is not a tutored session. The day runs from 10am until 3.30pm. From £25 per person, book online at www.greenhillarts. co.uk 8 - 23 NOVEMBER KINDERTRANSPORT Tavonians Theatre Company will be touring their latest production in West Devon and East Cornwall in November. Kindertransport

by Diane Samuels is frequently staged by professional companies, and is a set text for GCSE and AS/A level English Literature.

You can see the play in the Charter Hall, Okehampton on Saturday, November 10th.

Tickets available online from tavonians.org. uk or from 08455 196592.

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

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

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

GREEN HAZE Friday 7th September

THE STORY OF THE BEACH BOYZ Friday 14th September

STEVE TURNER Sunday 16th September

CHANTEL MCGREGOR Friday 21st September

GREEN HAZE are the ultimate tribute to one of the best rock bands the world has ever seen, hear all those monster hits performed with high energy.

Since its inception the reputation of The Beach Boyz Band has continued to grow, they are now one of the most sought after 1960’s tribute acts around.

Known as a pioneer of highly sophisticated English concertina song accompaniments, with one of the best voices in the business

Chantel is currently writing for her third album, debuting some of the new tracks on her 2018 tour which is currently taking place throughout the UK and Europe.

LINDISFARNE Saturday 22nd September

FOREIGNER’S JOURNEY Friday 28th September

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE Friday 5th October

PEARL JAMM Saturday 6th October

It may not be the original line up but the essence of Lindisfarne lives on through the stunning revival of those timeless classics.

This amazing show pays tribute to both Foreigner and Journey, two totally different bands who produced equally classic hits.

The iconic sound of one of the world’s biggest rock bands. With six Grammys and two Brits, bands don’t come much bigger than this.

Pearl Jamm were formed in London, England by 5 dedicated, hardworking and professional musicians, who were brought together with a love and passion for Pearl Jam

THE FLOYD EFFECT Saturday 13th October

KAST OFF KINKS Friday 19th October

G2 GENESIS Saturday 20th October

BASKERY Friday 26th October

Let The Floyd Effect take you on a musical journey from the Dark Side Of The Moon, through Wish You Were Here and Animals, to The Wall, and all the way to the Division Bell

This is not just a tribute to the legendary band, but features three former members of The Kinks reliving the good times and keeping the songs alive that made

Having been performing classic Genesis for well over a decade, G2 are making their annual return to The Wharf.

Baskery is a band built on what three people can do together and it’s all about turning the music on its head, blending the straightforwardness of punk with the subtlety of singer/ songwriting.

THE SIMMERTONES Saturday 27th October

THE WHARF GALLERY Regular exhibitions featuring local artists.

A seasoned nine-piece ska and reggae band who regularly get audiences dancing with their infectious live sound.

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Come along during the day and browse our gallery enjoying tea and cake from our on site café.

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c tavistockwharf

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

September 14 - 16

Bondleigh Country Flower Festival A harvest themed Country Flower Festival will take place in Bondleigh Church from Friday, September 14th at 2pm until the Harvest service at 3pm on Sunday, September 16th. In addition to the floral displays there will be refreshments and a local produce stall to include jams, chutneys, fruit and vegetables and hopefully locally baked bread and possibly a brew or two.

The harvest themed displays will be loosely based on lines taken from Harvest hymns, organisers aim to have slightly different and occasionally quirky versions of the usual Harvest festival displays. One of the displays will feature the famous Bondleigh Treacle mines and produce from this year’s harvest, including treacle tarts, will be on sale! A competition for children to make a harvest themed display will be held and these will be on show over the weekend On Saturday evening, September 15th, Mariners Away, a local folk band, will sing and play in the church and wine and cheese will be served. Entry covers a glass of wine and cheese and nibbles. Tickets are £8. Booking is essential. Please ring Jane Semorad 01837 82319 or Caroline Stokes on 01837 82240 to book no later than September 7th.

The event is in aid of Devon Historic Churches Trust. The DHCT provides grant funds for church repairs and the installation of modern facilities such as kitchens, heating, lighting, toilets and disabled access. Bondleigh church warden Danny Semorad said: ‘Raising money to repair our church roof the year before last was a daunting task. The DHCT was very supportive and encouraging and thanks to them and many other funders and village events we managed to reach our target of £90,000. We felt we would like to give something back to the DHCT to go towards helping other Devon churches. The money raised from our flower festival will go to the DHCT but it has been agreed that half of funds raised will be returned to Bondleigh for our current lighting and heating project.’

There is free car parking and admission to the flower festival is free but donations would be most welcome. To find Bondleigh church follow the signs from A3124 Cadditon Cross, 2 miles south of Winkleigh or Sat Nav: EX20 2AN.

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

October 27

South Zeal Carnival This year is the carnival’s 30th anniversary and over the last few years, the event has gone from strength to strength. A dedicated committee works throughout the year to bring a fantastic show to a small devon village and since the carnival’s revival in 1988, it has seen plenty of changes.

This ever-popular event has a fantastic afternoon procession which in which you can see in excess of 60 children parading through the village. And when it comes to the evening’s entertainment, there is a show of lights, music, colours - and the odd army tank thrown in!

On carnival day the entrants gather at the King’s Arms pub at 1.30pm (no prior entry just turn up on the day) and parade to the recreational ground at 2pm, for the beginning of the judging at 2.30pm.

The line-up of floats for the evening procession begins at 5pm, with the judging at 6pm. This is followed by the procession through South Zeal to Sticklepath and back again.

The committee would like to thank everyone who is involved with the carnival throughout the year and to those who support the carnival’s fundraising events.

To enter the evening procession or for more information please call 01837 840946 or email southzealcarnival@googlemail. com.

Don’t forget you can keep up with all fundraising events and everything associated with the carnival by following the South Zeal Carnival Facebook page.

MRS MURRAY’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR On Wednesday 7th November Mrs Murray’s annual Christmas Fair returns for its 6th year.

Last year was a huge success and we are fortunate to welcome back many of the same stall holders along with some exciting newcomers.

Once again we are supporting Devon Air Ambulance and our stallholders have kindly agreed to donate 10% of their takings to this worthwhile charity.

This year we are also hosting a preview evening on Tuesday 6th November where you can get first pick of the stallholders wares. This is open from 7pm-9pm and will be £9.50 per person entry which includes a glass of wine & canapes - please book in advance.

The main day will be open from 10.30am to 3.30pm at £5 per person entrance only or £11 per person to include lunch. Please make a booking for lunch to avoid disappointment.

LEWTRENCHARD MANOR

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

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

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

October 20

Okehampton Carnival After Storm Brian hit last year’s event, Okehampton Carnival Committee is hoping for better conditions on Saturday, October 20th, when entries from near and far make their way to Okehampton for the town’s big day.

Carnival chairman Steve Bolt said: ‘As always, the carnival is one of the highlights on the town’s calendar, with colourful floats, lively processions, dance troupes, bands and music.

‘Our team of volunteers work hard to put on a great day and each year we are humbled by the amount of people that line the streets of Okehampton to watch the parades.’

Carnival day starts with a coffee morning in the Charter Hall from 9am until noon. Judging for day collectors and the children’s classes begins at 2pm in the Charter Hall.

This will be followed by the crowning of the prince and princess by the town mayor at 3pm in School Way. At 3.15pm the procession, led by Okehampton Excelsior Band, leaves School Way, with many costumed children and dancers taking to the streets.

The procession goes up Market Street, turns left into Fore Street, up East Street to the junction at Mill Road and then back through the town before dispersing in Market Street. Road closures will be in place from 3pm until the procession ends. These include Mill Road (from the waterwheel to its junction with Station Road), St James Street, Park Row and Kempley Road will be closed from 4:30pm for the assembling of tableaux.

Judging for the evening classes starts at 6pm.

ENGLISH CLASSES

Dartmoor School of English believes face-to-face tuition is the best way forward if you want to improve your grades and get great job opportunities.

What are the possibilities?

Group and one-to-one English courses are currently available at discounted rates to local residents. We also help with CV preparation, elocution and written language.

Evening classes are available on request.

Visit our website www.dartmoorenglish.co.uk for further details

Contact us:

01837 659585 / 07484 727485

info@dartmoorenglish.co.uk

Learn English in the heart of the beautiful English countryside!

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

The carnival king and queen will be crowned by the mayor at 7pm and the procession will move off at 7.15pm, led by the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.

Roads affected for the evening procession (from 6.30pm) will be Mill Road, George Street, Market Street, Fore Street, North Street, East Street, Northfield Road, Neville Road, Victoria Street, Wonnacotts Road, Lopes Crescent, Barton Road, Link Road, Crediton Road, Leaholes Avenue, Limehayes Road and Exeter Road.

Entry Forms for the afternoon and evening classes are available from Donalds Menswear, 5 Fore Street, Okehampton EX20 1AN or Karen Penna, 19 Wonnacotts Road, Okehampton EX20 1LX. Volunteers for carnival day are always very welcome! Anyone who has an hour or more to spare and who would like to help by collecting to raise money for next year’s carnival should contact Sally Wilson, vice chair, on 07821 049538.

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

September 27

North Dartmoor Garden Club First formed in 1981 and originally called ‘South Tawton Garden Club’, this friendly group of garden lovers – but not necessarily gardeners – starts its autumn 2018 season this September. Now called ‘North Dartmoor Garden Club’, it has regular monthly meetings from September to April at 7.30pm in Belstone Village Hall.

The first meeting of the new season will be September 27th when David Eno will be giving a talk entitled ‘Botanical Ramblings in Transylvania’. David worked as a biology teacher in the 70’s then as a writer and graphic designer. He has a lifelong interest in biology and plants in their natural habitat. In October Nick Bacon will give a presentation on ‘Growing Veg the Old Fashioned Way’.

Nick has worked

for hotels, growing vegetables, and as a craftsman gardener in a park. Nick has regularly been a guest speaker at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Other meetings cover aspects of winter gardening, wildlife on Dartmoor, the fascinating world of Aroids and a talk by Saul Walker, Head Gardener at Stonelands House, Dawlish. So, you can see we have an eclectic mix of speakers. The club also organises outings to gardens of interest each year.

Members come from a wide area including Okehampton, Hatherleigh, North Tawton, Chagford and, of course, all the local Villages. The club welcomes new members, guests and visitors so why not come along? At £10 membership for the year it is very good value for money.

For further details contact Marion Walpole 01837 840498 or email chris.walpole@mypostoffice.co.uk

September 6 - 9 & September 13 - 16

Heritage Open Days Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE. This year, for the first time in its 24-year history, Heritage Open Days will take place over two consecutive weekends in September. This year, in recognition of the centenary of the Universal Suffrage Act, there will be hundreds of events taking place on the theme of ‘Extraordinary Women’ – focusing on both well-known and less celebrated women.

Patron of Heritage Open Days, Loyd Grossman, said: ‘Every year, Heritage Open Days becomes a more diverse and fascinating festival. It’s wonderful that, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we are able to continue the Unsung Stories project, which actively sources and shares stories of individuals and events that conventional histories 42

may have overlooked. And, of course, we continue to celebrate all aspects of local heritage, with thousands of other walks, talks, openings and events – all of them free!’

From climbing church towers not normally open to the public, taking part in special guided walks, discovering a Grade I Listed medieval long house on Dartmoor or taking a behind the scenes peek at the multi-million pound restoration project at Castle Drogo, there’s a huge choice of fascinating places to visit within a short drive of Okehampton.

For full information about the festival including venues and opening times, visit the Heritage Open Days website at www.heritageopendays.org.uk

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MUSIC & ART

September 8 - 23

Devon Open Studios Devon Open Studios is a unique opportunity to meet artists in their studios in some of the most beautiful, unexplored parts of Devon. In addition to being able to buy art direct from the creator, many demonstrate, give talks or give you a chance to have a go.

A cornucopia of art is on offer across Devon when more than 200 resident artists and crafts people open their studios to show and sell their individual artworks to the public each September. The diversity of studios is remarkable; as here you can explore venues ranging from potter’s studios in meadows to medieval barns, sinuous sculpture gardens or garrets by the sea. These hidden havens reveal fascinating work in every medium that allows the opportunity to purchase affordable art, directly from the artist, and without gallery commission.

Jane Leitch

Venture out on self-guided art tours using the full colour event guide or just by spontaneously following the yellow arrows scattered about the countryside. Meet the artists, participate in workshops and events, or simply create your own journey of discovery in this most spectacular landscape.

The free guide is available from Devon Libraries, Tourist Information Centres and arts and community venues across the county or download a copy from the Open Studios page at www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk

September 15 - October 27

Dartmoor - 365 Square Miles Inspired by her current epic exploration of Dartmoor, Green Hill Arts at Moretonhampstead is delighted to show Anita Reynolds’ latest prints and paintings.

After walking the 630 mile-long South West Coast Path and producing over six hundred prints for her book, ‘Outline South West’– Anita said that she wouldn’t attempt another largescale project, but happily, she changed her mind: ‘Dartmoor is my place of solace, it inspires and surprises me, it is all about the weather. I enjoy it the most when the weather is wild and unpredictable, one minute bathing in sunshine, the next I’m reaching for my waterproofs. Every visit offers new experiences and opportunities to make new images. How I respond depends on what I find. This is a longterm project, if I complete it in five years I think I’ll be doing well . . . the only criteria I have set is that I will visit every one of the 365 square miles within the park.’

Anita manages her week by dividing her time between working on site from her campervan – when she mixes sketching, painting and printmaking – and developing ideas back in her studio on the southern edge of the moor. The outside work has the excitement and vigorous marks that are the result of an emotional response to the landscape. Rapidly changing light and weather conditions require her to work quickly, forcing her to focus on the essential details. In the

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

studio, memory and compositional processes kick in and to make the larger prints.

Georgie Lingard, Green Hill’s arts officer said: ‘We are lucky to work with Anita. She is thoroughly down to earth, practical and inspiring - quietly producing an impressive portfolio of beautiful well-observed works. She also happens to be a great tutor. What a joyous combination!’

On show in the gallery is an installation, new paintings, prints and a series of mini postcard prints made on location, using the portable press in the campervan. Anita’s fascinating sketchbooks are also available to see.

Entry is to the exhibition is free. The Green Hill Arts Gallery is open from 10am-4pm weekly from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive (closed on Sundays and Mondays). The Gallery is situated at the top of Fore Street, Moretonhampstead, close to the Parish Church. Parking is in the Court Street and Station Road car parks.

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MUSIC & ART

September 9

Hooves in the Heather Well known local artist Ginnie Pope, who grew up in Chagford and now lives in Exbourne, has an exhibition of new work opening in September, inspired by her deep love of Dartmoor. ’Hooves in the Heather’ includes paintings in a range of media. There is also some very interesting, not often seen Dartmoor memorabilia.

The exhibition coincides with the release of Ginnie’s new book by the same title, illustrated with her own artwork and photographs. The book contains amusing vignettes about the ponies on the moor, the story of her grandfather, Arthur Hurn, and his time at Tor Royal, Princetown when it was a stud for HRH Edward, Prince of Wales, followed by the family’s time at the Warren House Inn. During Arthur’s time at Tor Royal, a foal called The Leat was bred. All registered Dartmoor ponies can be traced back

to The Leat and this year is the centenary of his birth.

The book also tells a tale of Dwarka, an Arab stallion, from his own mouth.

Dwarka had an amazing life story, he came to live at Tor Royal and was sire of ‘The Leat’ his skeleton now in the History Museum in London.

Dwarka’s tale has also inspired Dartmoor musician Tony Bayliss - he has collaborated with a number of musicians and is producing a CD to support the tale which will also be available at the exhibition.

The exhibition Hooves in the Heather is being held at Tor Royal, Princetown and will be open from September 9th until September 30th daily between 2pm and 6pm (closed Tuesdays). Between October 1st and 26th the exhibition will be open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays between 2pm and 6pm.

Admission free. For more information go to www.virginiapope.com/

September 29

Songs & Stories - a concert by Steve Knight The historic 13th century St John’s Church in North Bovey is the setting for a concert by Steve Knightly this September - one half of possibly the UK’s most well known folk/roots duo, Show of Hands.

The concert is in aid of The Friends of St Johns, a non-religious charity dedicated to raising funds for the maintenance and restoration of the fabric of this ancient Dartmoor church.

A spokesperson for the Friends said: ‘North Bovey is a very small village so

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to have someone like Steve Knightley coming is fabulous!’

Previous concerts organised by the friends, including one by the Military Wives Choir, have proved very popular, so be sure to order your tickets early!

The concert starts at 7.30pm, with a bar and barbecue from 5.30pm (cash only).

Tickets are £18 and are available from Wendy on 07887 932212.

SUPPLY AND FITTING OF A RANGE OF GARAGE DOORS, AWNINGS, ATRIUMS AND ELECTRIC GATES

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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MUSIC & ART

September 22, October 12 & 13

Bratton Clovelly Festival Bratton Clovelly will see the return of the wonderful folk duo Cosgrave and Banks, including new repertoire and their well known favourites, on Saturday, September 22nd. Mike Cosgrave and Steve Banks are both highly skilled and experienced musicians in their own right. They write their own music as well as interpreting folk classics and less well known pieces from across Europe. Coming together, they use the interplay of various instruments (sometimes you’re convinced there must be more than two

people playing!) to produce a sound that is endlessly imaginative and richly textured, sometimes witty, sometimes haunting, with rhythms and tones that will make you want to dance. Their banter and chat and a café-style setting make for a relaxed evening of great music. The bar will open at 7pm and you can book by the seat or by the table, so come along with family and friends.

In its third year, Bratton Clovelly Festival is branching out with a day-long grant-funded workshop for children on October 12th. Having secured grants

from the Balsdon and Norman Family Trusts, they’ve been able to book the award-winning Puppetcraft troupe to run a day of workshops for the children Boasley Cross Primary School. The day will include a ‘making’ workshop and a music workshop using a variety of discarded ‘junk’. It is hoped more of these workshops can be run for other local primary schools in the future.

On the following day, Saturday, October 13th, at 3pm in Bratton Clovelly Parish Hall, Puppetcraft will perform their public show, The Tin Forest. The music the children have learnt the day before will form the basis of the introduction to the puppet show.

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Don’t think this is a puppet show for children only. No matter what age you are, you’ll be enchanted by the story of the lonely old man whose brightest dreams come true right in the midst of a dreary junkyard. These puppeteers create magic.

Following the performance, the Friends of Boasley Cross will provide a delicious tea to help raise funds for the school.

For further information about festival events, visit: wwwbrattonclovellyfestival.com email brattonclovellyfestival@gmail.com or phone 01837 871696.

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MUSIC & ART

August until October

Art for All A new block of Art for All courses will be running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Ockment Centre from August 28th. Funded by the National Lottery, the classes are terrific value at just £8 for a 4 week course.

The Art for All project aims to develop new creative skills and bring people together to help combat social isolation.

‘I left the class feeling positive, less stressed and with a spring in my step!’ said one participant. Another commented that the classes provide a space for ‘meeting people in a safe environment, not being stuck at home on my own.’

All classes are aimed at beginners. They are lead by experienced art teachers from the community art organisation West Devon Art Workshops.

The courses are as follows: Tuesday mornings 10am to 1pm: Course 1 (beginning August 28th for four

weeks): Wire Art – exploring joining and embellishing wire to create decorative forms;

decorative, vibrant images of buildings using collage, stencilling, stamps, inks and paint.

Course 2 (beginning September 25th for four weeks): Monoprinting and Drypoint – try these 2 complimentary printing techniques based on drawing and tracing.

Course 4 (beginning September 26th for four weeks): Cloth, Paper, Paint & Stitch – explore mixed media collage embellished with stitch.

Wednesday afternoons 1.30pm to 4.30pm: Course 3 (beginning August 29th for four weeks): Collaged Townscapes – Create

To find out more, telephone Andy & Gill Cairns from West Devon Art Workshops on 01822 258351 or email westdevonartworkshops@gmail.com.

To find out about...

A

WHAT’S ON in your local area VISIT

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

47

NATIONAL TRUST

Autumn colour at the castle This is the perfect time of year to make the most of the last days of summer and look ahead to the crisp colourful days of autumn.

It’s a busy time at Castle Drogo as the countdown to completion of our building project begins. It will be the last opportunity to take a trip up the viewing tower to get a bird’s eye look at the work on the roof before it closes on November 4th and we will be holding our last ‘meet the builders day’ on Tuesday, October 23rd. Don’t miss the Edwardian Country Fair on September 15th and 16th, there’ll be local music, performances and demonstrations as well as lots of traditional games to play.

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Tuesday, September 11th, Tuesday, September 25th & Thursday, November 1st, 11am-3pm. Join local photographer John Howells. Booking essential on 01647 433306. £37 per person.

GARDEN TOUR – A GARDEN OF COLOUR

Wednesday, September 12th, 5pm-6.30pm. Discover more about the Drogo garden with one of the gardeners. Booking essential on 01647 433306. £5 per person.

ART DAY

Thursday, September 27th & November 8th, 10.30am-3.30pm.

Workshop with local artist Celia Olsson. Booking essential on 01647 433306. £35 per person.

FUNGI FORAY

Sunday, September 30th, 2pm–4pm. Join an experienced mycologist finding and identifying the wide range of fungi.

Booking essential on 01647 433306, £5 per person.

AUTUMN WOODLAND DEER WALK AND BREAKFAST Saturday, October 13th & 14th, 7.15am-10am.

Join this guided walk during the fallow deer rut. Afterwards enjoy a delicious home cooked full English breakfast in our café. Booking essential on 01647 433306. £17.50 per person (£10 children),

MEET THE BUILDERS DAY

Tuesday, October 23rd,11am-4pm. Demonstrations and activities as well as a very special behind the scenes tours onto the roof (Roof tours: places are limited, first come, first served, restrictions apply, £5 per person). Normal admission applies.

Dig littlecolour deeper Add asome to your weekend thissaving into why we're autumn Drogo at Gibside Castle As the building project nears it's Go crunching through fallenaleaves a forest completion take tripand updiscover the viewing teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking tower toages discover routes for all and abilities.what it's all about.

Call 01647 433306 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo When you visit, donate, volunteer join the National When you visit, donate, volunteer or join theor National Trust, your support your helps us to look after special places <inafter the region> <like Trust, support helps us to look special places property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. © National Trust registered charity, 205846.

Photography ©number National TrustPhotography Images\Robbie Forrester Images.

Wilson.

48

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

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There’s a lot going on in autumn at Finch Foundry For Hallowe’en we will be offering a fun children’s trail during the week leading up to Hallowe’en and there will also be spooky storytelling in the forge on Saturday, October 27th.

Blacksmiths are a big part of the history of Finch Foundry, so much so that every year we celebrate St Clement’s Day with as many as we can.

Traditionally St Clement’s Day was set up as an extra holiday between All Hallow’s Day and Christmas and was adopted by the blacksmiths because of St Clement’s demise by way of an anchor. It was a day of fun and laughter with someone dressing as Old St Clem and being paraded around the town all the money collected was then donated to the local pub so the celebration could go on long into the night.

To celebrate, on Saturday, November 24th we will be hosting the usual fun and occasional big bangs with themed competitions such as the great snail race where the

blacksmiths are challenged to make a snail in the fastest time, items for sale and the firing of the anvil to test it for weakness in preparation for the coming year.

As well as all this, we will be dressing the shop for Christmas so you’ll have the opportunity to do some gift shopping and the tearoom will be serving soup and hot drinks to make sure you don’t get too cold when watching the blacksmiths at work. We will also be doing the usual regular talks and demonstrations of the machinery in the forge.

Come and see Add some colour to blacksmiths your weekend thisat autumnthis at Gibside work autumn at Finch Foundry 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/finchfoundry When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your

helps usTrust to look 2018. after special places <in the region> <like ©support National The National property property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone.

Trust isX,an independent registered charity, number 205846. © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust #nationaltrust Photography © National Trust Images. #nationaltrust Images\John Millar.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

49

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From apple juice to witch’s brews...

Whatever the weather a visit to the gorge is an adventure.

After heavy rain the river will be crashing and tumbling over the cascades, and there will be lots of puddles to splash in. If you’re lucky enough to catch some late summer sunshine then the light in the gorge turns everything luscious gold.

This year, Heritage Open Day will be held on Saturday, September 15th from 10am to 5pm, with free entry to all.

It’s a chance to explore the Devil’s Cauldron before it is shut for maintenance over the winter. You could also indulge in a cream tea or one of the new paninis in the tea-room.

To experience the gorge after sunset join us for a torchlit walk to Whitelady waterfall. There will also be plenty on offer to get the kids into the spirit of Hallowe’en over the half-term.

HALLOWE’EN TRAIL.

October 20 to 28, 10am - 3.30pm Creep through witch’s wood following the spooky trail, can you escape the clutches of the creepy crawlies to gain your prize? £3 per trail.

TORCHLIT WALK.

October 26, 5.30pm - 6.30pm Light your way to Whitelady waterfall with a flaming torch, enjoy enchanting music as the night descends then head back to warm up with a hot chocolate and toast marshmallows over the fire. £10 (£8 for members) per torch, £2 for accompanying adults and children over 5, booking essential.

For more information please visit our website or give us a call on 01822 820320.

SPOOKY DAY

October 6, 11am-3pm - Apple Day. Help press the apples from the orchard, your efforts will be rewarded with a taste of the juice.

Make your very own broomstick, fashion yourself a finger bat and take home a magic wand. Join in the potions class to brew up some strange concoctions. £5 per child. Normal admission applies to events.

October 28, 11am - 3pm

Can you find the Add some colour to crunchiest leaf at your weekend this autumn at Gibside Lydford Gorge?

Open daily until Sunday 28 October

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

nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01822 820320 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your

helps usTrust to look 2018. after special places <in the region> <like ©support National The National property property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone.

Trust isX,an independent registered charity, number 205846. © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust #nationaltrust Photography © National Trust Images. #nationaltrust Images\John Millar.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

51

LOCAL PEOPLE FEATURE

One Okehampton the organisation with community at its heart A group working tirelessly to promote wellbeing

Rebecca Green, founder of Okehampton: ’I believe that we all change the world around us and a failure to recognise that power is a missed opportunity. As a community we have great potential to work together and shape the area we live in, One Okehampton simply celebrates that and shares it.’

One Okehampton was formed at a meeting of friends which got together to organise Okehampton Elf Outpost and Festive Markets, a project that saw more than 10,000 people visit the town over four consecutive Sundays; and with 476 children completing a free workshop, all getting a reply from the North Pole. The meeting began in the usual One Okehampton style of looking at the benefits to the community by running the project, rather than the many reasons it appeared impossible to achieve. Trustee Angus Beer came up with the name and the charity was formed within a few weeks. It is now an HMRC registered small charity.

The sole aim of One Okehampton is to raise awareness of and promote wellbeing. A diverse team of trustees and a working committee ensure that this is done in many ways. The organisation focuses on community-led structure, asking what people want, recognising potential and then matching that with others in the community or, if appropriate, establishing 52

something new. Since October 2017 they have established over ten groups and events.

Okehampton Vegan Group was the first group formed after a comment by a member of the community on social media.

Morwenna Brady now runs the group from The Heart Space on Station Road and members take food to share each month at their meetings, which are all free of charge. After discussion between One Okehampton and various cafés and restaurants round the town, some took comments on board and have increased their vegan options. Happy days for local vegans!

Okehampton Elf Outpost will run again this year, thanks to the support of the Plume of Feathers. The North Pole is busy, so once again, Father Christmas is recruiting to find local wannabe elves that can help sort and reply to letters and enjoy a big party with the children after Christmas This project takes a lot of work and several fundraisers are held throughout the year. September 22 is the next coffee morning in the Charter Hall - but watch out for elves round the town when you least expect them!

Okehampton Saturday Market began in April and runs weekly in Red Lion Yard, while also promoting the existing plant stall and Sue’s Farmhouse Baking. Stalls are funded to help establish the market - it promises nothing other than an attempt to bring local makers and producers into the town centre - providing locals and tourists alike something different each week.

The biggest weekly wellbeing event in town is the Okehampton Sunday Community Market . This aims to bring people together to share skills, knowledge and promote charities, clubs and key organisations. There are always at least five free activities at the market; examples are sewing skills, clay modelling, rock painting, creating dream-catchers, flower headbands and 3d printing. Crafts for adults are also available alongside make-do-and-mend, gardening advice and a skill sharing section. Stalls of crafters and those promoting

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FEATURE

FEATURE

their business or even just having a clearout come along and there is always food involved, prepared by volunteers with food hygiene certificates and available either by donation or small charge. Currently they offer two courses in return for a £2 donation towards new craft materials and venue hire! The market is entirely run by volunteers.

The Alternative History Project is great fun! Awaiting final funding this project will see every child at local schools given a free booklet that has been written by Mike Wreford and Rebecca Green to celebrate and showcase the social history of the town in the form of a trail. This will be launched with locals dressed and acting as the characters at each point on the trail to share their history, be it dark and dastardly or fabulous and fantastic!

One Okehampton tries to utilise local venues. The third Wednesday of each month at 7pm is a social meeting in The Fountain front bar. It’s an informal update on the charity activities, an ideas exchange and a general discussion. All are welcome and through this, many of the projects have gone from concepts to reality.

Each Monday there is a different club meeting in the Plume of Feathers. The first Monday of the month is Okehampton Business Club and is free to join - take along your business cards and a notepad! The idea is to get businesses promoted, using and buying locally and benefitting from the conversations and potential gained from just getting together.

No fees, no fuss, just talk, at 7pm.

The second Monday of the month is Cake Club! Open to anyone who enjoys baking and likes to feed others, share tips and ideas or just come along and eat the cake others make!

A social and fun evening that is repeated again on the second Friday of each month at 1pm. Children are welcome and this really is a bit of fun.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

The third Monday is Craft Club, getting together to make different things, share challenges and meeting fellow makers.

There’s lots of opportunity to have an input and share your skills as well as learn from others and share stash!

The fourth Monday of the month is currently under development as film and book club so watch this space!

These are just some of the activities. One Okehampton also helps out other organisations and far from being just a trendy buzz-word, it takes the town wellbeing seriously and has links with the medical centre and CVS, working to promote and campaign for better services, facilities and amenities. Linking with small towns and villages and not recognising the border between Okehampton town and Okehampton Hamlets ensures everyone can be included and can benefit.

This growing organisation always welcomes volunteers, funding for individual projects and those with potential plans they’d like to make happen.

One Okehampton can be found on Facebook.com/ OneOkehampton and by calling Rebecca on 07806 770926.

Rebecca Green, Founder, One Okehampton

53

WALKS DOG WALK WALK WITH WITHWINNIE WINNIE

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

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

www.dartmoornordicwalkng.co.uk www.pentranger.co.uk ‘Dartmoor Nordic Walking’ and ‘Walks with Winnie’ are on Facebook.

Distance - Approximately 4.5 k Time - Approximately 1 hr 15 mins allowing time to stop and admire the view.

Difficulty - mostly flat, one steep hill A circular walk starting at Dogmarsh Bridge, near the Mill End Hotel, Chagford. It follows the River Teign with great places for you and the dog to swim!

Stay on this path until you reach the next gate, taking the bridge to cross the river. A great spot here if you like to wild swim - you can almost swim lengths!

Take the gate into the open fields with the River Teign on your right hand side and follow this path. Passing a bridge on your right hand side, continue to the field gate. As you pass through this gate you will be able to see Castle Drogo up on the hill on your left hand side.

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Take the path up the stone steps and over the wall. On the other side of the wall, you have two choices. If you don’t mind a steep climb, take the narrow path directly in front of you and up the slope, alternatively turn left and after a few feet, take the path up the slope on your right, a more gentle climb.

Staying on this narrow path you will start to climb uphill and into the woods.

This is where it starts to get steep. This path can be muddy during wet weather,

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but the climb will be worth it. Just when you think you have had enough, the path starts to level out as you come to a tree-lined walk way, leading through an opening in the stone wall with a Peter Randall-Page sculpture at each side of the entrance.

Continue on the path to the top. Looking to your left, you will again see Castle Drogo. Follow the path to the right, through the woods and out into the open. The views from here are worth the climb and you may be lucky enough to see the white deer. There is a hut here should you need to shelter from the weather. With the hut on your left, continue on the path - it’s all downhill from here! Through the woods, the path winds its way down the hill. As you reach the path at the bottom, turn right until you come to the stone bridge.

Cross the bridge, go through the gate, along the path and on the right after the house, pass through the gate. This is a narrow path between the woods and the fields. At the end of the path, take the steps right, down toward the river.

Turn left out of the gate until you reach the bridge, crossing this, turn left again in to the open fields. You will now see Dogmarsh Bridge in front of you.

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WALK WITH DOG WINNIE WALK

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55

FOOD & DRINK

Time flies when you’re talking rum!

This drinks cabinet essential has a colourful history The first distillation of rum took place in the 1620s when Caribbean sugarcane plantation slaves discovered that molasses, a by-product of sugar refining, could be fermented into alcohol. It wasn’t always made as well as it is today, and for years it was saddled with a naughty reputation for being as awful-tasting as it was awfully intoxicating. The fact that rum once went by the names Nelson’s blood, demon water, pirate’s drink, navy neaters, Barbados water, grog, kill-devil or rumbullion says a lot! It is also said that rum was one of the first mass-market products manufactured in America.

Most of the world’s rum production still occurs in the Caribbean and Latin America, although it’s now produced widely around the world, from Australia to the United Kingdom.

Whether in daiquiri, hurricane, or mojito form, the warming qualities of this quintessentially versatile spirit are produced in various categories. Light rums like Bacardi are commonly used in cocktails, whereas ‘golden’ and ‘dark’ rums were typically consumed neat, over ice, or used for cooking. However, they are now commonly consumed with mixers. Premium rums are also available, made to be consumed either straight or iced.

Below are some popular and effortless rum cocktails that can be thrown together in a matter of minutes . . .

The classic Daiquiri: Place the rum, lime juice and sugar spirit into a cocktail shaker and shake well to combine. Pour into a Martini glass and serve garnished with a wedge of lime.

Basic Hurricane: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the rum, orange juice, lime juice, passion fruit syrup and grenadine syrup. Shake for 30 seconds and strain into a tall glass. Garnish with the orange wheel and serve.

Classic Mojito: Muddle the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a small jug, crushing the mint as you go – you can use the end of a rolling pin for this. Pour into a tall glass, add the rum a handful of crushed ice.

When we think about rum, pirates come to mind. While it’s true that it’s the namesake for well-known brands like Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry, the market for more premium boutique style rums is ever expanding. I’ve picked out four from our range that are worthy of note: 56

Diplomatico Exclusiva Reserva, £41.50: From Venezuela and chestnut brown in colour, Reserva Exclusiva is evocative of chocolate espresso coffee and orange peel. It has a slightly dry, sweet, nutty finish with a lingering note of curry spice.

Perfect on the rocks!

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, £23.50: Kraken Rum is aged in oak barrels for between 12 and 24 months before being blended with over eleven spices, including vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and clove. This rum, paired with ginger beer and a wedge of lime, is just divine!

Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old Jamaican Rum, £39.00: Appleton Estate 12 Year Rum is a blend of several rums aged between 12 and 18 years in American oak barrels after being distilled using small-batch copper pot stills. This rum has a complex taste with deep woody flavours, fruity, cocoa notes with hints of molasses. The finish is an intense combination of rich vanilla, subtle coffee with a hint of toasted oak and almond. This rum makes a great alternative to that winter time single malt.

Mount Gay Extra Old (XO), £39.00: Established in 1703 at the world’s oldest rum distillery, Extra Old is a masterful blend of the finest, double-distilled, aged spirits with a combined maturity of 17 years. It boasts rich, mellow aromas and perfectly balanced sweet fruity notes. A light, burnt-wood character on the finish is complemented by subtle sugar cane and crème brûlée notes. Sip and savour straight up!

So whether it’s for a high seas voyage or to warm up at home as the nights draw in, rum is unquestionably an essential for the drinks cabinet.

Jason Mules Waitrose, Okehampton

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FOOD & DRINK

Celebrating world class produce Top chefs rise to the ‘Five Mile Challenge’ Devon Food Movement is a collaborative pop-up restaurant concept set up by former Michelin star development chef Luke Fearon. It aims to celebrate Devon’s unique and world class produce through a series of temporary dining experiences, where talented local chefs, producers and food heroes link with restaurants, farms or unique locations throughout Devon and sometimes a little beyond.

At all these events, small plated set menus allow diners to explore a true taste of each location at any given time within the season. The premise for most Devon Food Movement events is the ‘five-mile food’ challenge. This is where collaborators are challenged to find as many prime ingredients from within a five-mile radius of the event location to feature on the menus.

event to fruition on September 8th. It will feature many local artisans and some of the South West’s best chefs including Tom Browning, from Lewtrenchard Manor and Samuel Brook from Paschoe house, near Crediton.

The evening will start with a canapé and drinks reception sponsored by local winery, Eastcott Vineyard. At Ashridge Great Barn guests will enjoy an eight-course journey menu that will allow them to taste some of the best, hyper-local food around.

A ticket for the evening will cost just £35 with drinks being poured from 5:45pm. Booking for this event will be essential and all bookings should be directed to 07562260052 or info@ashridge-court.co.uk

Devon Food Movement is working in partnership with Ashridge Court near North Tawton to bring its first big collaboration

Frangipane Tart This delicious recipe has been supplied by the White Hart Inn at Bridestowe The frangipane tart can be made with flaked almonds on top, or with jam under the frangipane and fruit on top.

For the base I portion of tart pastry. For the frangipane 175g soft butter 175g caster sugar 175g ground almonds 4 large eggs

1tsp almond extract If apricot frangipane 1 jar apricot jam 1 tin apricot halves (drained)

I have found it best to blind bake the pastry case and allow it to cool before filling it with the chosen filling. Line a lightly buttered tart tin with the pastry and prick the base all over.

Place in the fridge to rest for 30 minutes. Line and pastry case with baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 200c for 15 minutes, remove from the oven, remove the baking beans and return to the oven for a further five minutes. Allow to cool.

Reduce the oven heat to 150c.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

In a large mixing bowl, beat the soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Lightly beat the eggs to break the yokes and then add bit by bit the butter and sugar mix, beating all the time. If the mix begins to split just add a little flour (plain or self raising).

When the eggs are incorporated, gently fold in the ground almonds and almond extract. For ease, place this final mixture into a piping bag.

Onto the centre of the cooled pastry case, place most (if not all) the jam leaving a border around the outside. Then pipe the frangipane mix around the outside of the jam working in towards the centre, completely covering the jam. Once all the frangipane is in the tart, carefully arrange the drained fruit on top.

Bake for 30 – 40 minutes at 150c or until the frangipane is set and lightly browned.

57

HISTORY

Revealing facts discovered by Heritage Group Sticklepath Heritage Group (SHG) has two strings to its bow: history and culture.

We hunt for facts and we concentrate on activities where residents come together for community events. Often these overlap; the village celebrations for the Coronation in 1953 were undoubtedly social in nature, but even as Elizabeth II was donning her robes, Sticklepath folk were erecting a new flagpole at White Rock, on the precipitous hillside where John Wesley is thought to have preached, a historical event visible to this day.

Coming up to date, SHG’s current history project is a programme of house surveys, in which residents share what they know about the history of their homes. These can be incredibly revealing. A bag full of old documents provided not only a 100-year-history of a cottage on the main street, but also of the estate to which it once belonged. In 1913, ‘Steddafords’ sprawled across the eastern side of the village and those old documents revealed the gradual break-up of the estate during the 20th century which spawned, among other things, the village playing field and the housing development of Oaktree Park. Another house history reveals there was probably another mill at the eastern end of the village, in addition to the ones already documented, which indicates just how industrial this area was.

Coupled with the house surveys is the programme of oral histories. We have recently transcribed two sessions with Carrel Jevons, a descendent of the influential Pearse Family and a wonderful mine of information about Sticklepath’s past. John, George and Thomas Pearse, thought to be father and two sons, set up Cleave Mill around 1828 and lived next door to each other in three adjoining houses. The houses are still there and internal connecting doors suggest they were a close-knit family.

Thomas Pearse was, of course, the man immortalised in the song Widecombe Fair as the owner of the famous grey mare.

In fact, he owned three such animals and there is considerable speculation as to which of the three properties was his.

Oral histories throw up some unusual claims to fame. For instance, Captain George Pearse (not the George who founded Cleave Mill) won the Queen’s Prize for shooting 1875. George must have been a robust fellow, because the kick from the 58

Martini-Henry rifle of the day destroyed many a shoulder.

Interestingly, 1875 is thought to be the last occasion on which the competition was held on Wimbledon Common; understandably this was considered to be too dangerous to passers-by and the event was moved to the ranges at Bisley.

Mention of Widecombe Fair brings us neatly onto cultural activities. Sticklepath has a strong tradition of things like amateur dramatics, summer balls and the famous Fireshow, many of which have sadly fallen by the wayside over the years. Enthusiasm for such things is still high in the village, as shown by the success of SHG’s Grey Mare Festival, now an annual event for Hallowe’en. This restores some of the traditional English aspects of the season, such as the giving of soulcakes, lost with the arrival of the American ‘Trick or Treat’ celebrations in the 1980s.

As its name suggests, the festival is built around the folklore of the journey to Widecombe Fair and involves children, the ‘Seekers’ of the mare’s ghost, processing to music round the village in pursuit of their quest. Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer and the other riders pop up, as does the mare herself, of course, in a journey including candle-lighting at the church and an encounter with an irate blacksmith wielding a red-hot horseshoe. Later there are mummers plays performed in the village pubs. In keeping with Sticklepath’s creative traditions the festival was entirely conceived and planned within the village, with scripts and music being written by Sticklepath folk.

In an age when entertainment is served up by all manner of electronic devices, there is still room for a community to entertain itself, the Grey Mare Festival being a good example.

The SHG also reinstated the Christmas Social, started in 2016, an evening of good food and variety show entertainments provided by the people of Sticklepath themselves. The audience, and possibly the performers too, are invariably surprised by the amount of talent existing in the village.

Mike Gilbert Sticklepath Heritage Group

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BUSINESS NEWS

A success story - in more ways than one Jane Honey meets the founder of a flourishing local company Okehampton-based Enchanted House Beds has plenty of reasons to celebrate this summer - full order books, an increase in staff numbers and now officially able to use the coveted Dartmoor National Park Authority logo, thanks to their enthusiastic backing of Dartmoor wool.

Stuart Cann, 40, has been making beds since he was 16. He launched the company only three and a half years ago at a unit on Exeter Road Industrial Estate with just one member of staff.

They’ve now expanded to take on a unit across the road, and the pay roll has increased to 15 - all the employees taken on after being made redundant by Relyon a year or so ago. They are all skilled workers - and they all live in Okehampton.

Enchanted House make hand-made beds and mattresses. In a world where mass-produced, pile it high and sell it cheap goods can often be king, Enchanted House beds are made by individual craftsmen - although they are so experienced, two men can make a king sized mattress and base in a day.

Stuart said: ‘We are doubling in size every year - the bed market nationally is really slow, but we have gone for the highend products and there are always people who are prepared to pay for something that’s well made - and locally made. It’s like food - they like to know the provenance of what they are paying for and there’s definitely a demand for mattresses made from natural, sustainable products.’

wool, the numbers will be kept up. It also gives more value to the sheep that are used to graze the commons.’

The wool is washed in Yorkshire using a natural water process and then fed by hand into a wool breaker which fluffs out the fibres, the odd bit of straw falling away from the natural wool during the procedure!

Mattresses may also include silk, cashmere, alpaca and horsetail hair - the latter providing natural spring and moisture wicking properties.

All Enchanted House beds are hand-made to order. They have embroidered labels which can be individualised to the customer’s requirements with names, dates - anything that will make that bed a little more special.

Enchanted House beds are now to be found all over the world, from the UK, to Peru to Australia. The company supplied The White Hart in Okehampton when it was bought by pub giant J D Wetherspoon, the business was thrilled to be asked to make the beds for top chef Michael Caine’s wonderful new hotel and restaurant, Lympstone Manor, and even provided the ultimate in sleeping luxury for the presidential suite at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London’s Hyde Park.

Enchanted House Beds is also supporting Dartmoor National Park’s Donate for Dartmoor scheme to show how local businesses can support each other and Dartmoor. By using Dartmoor hill farm wool and with support through publicity and raising awareness, Enchanted House Beds is helping to make sure the moor thrives. Dartmoor National Park Authority is proud to endorse this approach and welcomes ideas from other businesses for ways to work together to keep Dartmoor the special place it is.

And you can’t get much more local, when the Dartmoor wool used in an Enchanted House bed comes from Stuart’s family farm on the edge of the moor. As Stuart explained, it’s a winwin arrangement.

National Park chairman Bill Hitchins said: ‘We are delighted that Enchanted House are supporting valuable conservation work on Dartmoor through the Donate for Dartmoor scheme.

This is a great example of a local business working in partnership with the National Park.’

‘We want to support Dartmoor farmers and we pay more for the wool than the Wool Board does. Several breeds are becoming endangered now, so we hope that by using this

For more information about Enchanted House Beds at Okehampton, go to www.enchantedhousebeds.com or call 01837 318060.

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READER SURVEY

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at the

In the heart of Dartmoor

2018 Reader Survey We’d love to hear your feedback on Oke Links!

Your thoughts and opinions are really important to us so there follows a short questionnaire about Oke Links magazine. Your answers will help us to make decisions on how we edit and collate future editions.

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Your details: Name: Postcode: Email: Telephone: Please cut out and post your completed survey to: Oke Links Magazine, The Sanctuary, Kilworthy Hill, Tavistock, Devon, England, PL19 0EP Closing date for entries is Wednesday 31 October 2018.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING BEAUTY

Heath Weymouth PODIATRIST Why did you become a podiatrist?

As a previous geologist working all around the world, I needed a career that was going to keep me at home with my family. I initially thought about physiotherapy but decided to specialise in the lower limb. Podiatry is a specialism that has so many facets and pathways to look into. My area of expertise is the biomechanical function of the foot, sports injuries and pain management.

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

To be able to call yourself a podiatrist or chiropodist in its older form, you have to undertake training to degree level. I undertook my three years at the University of Plymouth. As part of our being able to practice, we are members of the Health and Care Professions Council. This is our regulatory body that covers podiatrists as well as physiotherapists and occupational health therapists. As part of continued regulation we are audited and our skills are monitored. This is why with anything related to healthcare, always seek an HCPC registered podiatrist to deal with your feet. No other practitioner that deals with the feet are regulated or scrutinised. This is for the patients’ benefit.

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I have clinic in the village of Lewdown between Okehampton and Launceston. I am central to the main towns and easy to get to along the old A30. The clinic has parking outside the door and views of North Devon and into Cornwall.

What sort of conditions do you treat?

Anything related to the lower limb.

This includes general footcare for those aren’t able to do it for themselves, up to ingrowing toenail surgery. As a podiatrist I chose to also specialise in musculoskeletal conditions of the feet and biomechanical function, where if needed I will make and supply orthotics to help relieve painful symptoms. I am also a registered shockwave therapy clinic, where I can help to manage pain through injuries such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, shin splints and patella tip knee pain. The therapy, which uses high pressure sound waves to stimulate blood flow and cell regeneration, is also showing good results in osteoarthritis pain of the foot.

Can you describe a typical day?

I am lucky enough to work from home so there’s not much of a commute. I see a number of regular patients for general podiatry then deal with new patients on an appointment basis.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Dealing with people’s expectations.

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What is the best part of your job?

Seeing a patient walk in with a painful mobility issue then walk out afterwards pain free is a pretty good feeling all the time.

What would you say to anyone thinking of going into podiatry as a career?

Don’t take shortcuts. If you want to deal with the feet properly, go to university. Put the work in and you will be rewarded with a great challenging career. There are many unregulated, shortcut courses into treating the feet.

Gain the respect and do the full training offered at many universities.

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