Oke Links September/October 2022

WorldHEALTHAlzheimer’s Day EDUCATION New de brillator for primary HISTORY The White Hart Hotel Stand With Ukraine FridgeCommunityOkehampton Loneliness Fund launched Festivals,fairs&fun A bright future Moretonhampstead’sfor Emily Dooley Meet the locals Kristy Turner at the helm Okehampton’sof museum Okehampton Transport Group NEEDS YOU! WALKS | ARTS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | HERITAGE | LOCAL FOOD & DRINK | HOMES | BUSINESS Delivered FREE by your postman to EX20 1,2 & 4 and TQ13 8, postcodes. Guaranteed circulation of 10,721 homes and businesses £3.50 | where sold OKE LINKS September/October 2022 | Issue 34

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What a busy place the Okehampton area is going to be over the next couple of months! We have Okehampton Carnival, Chagford Food Festival and Widecombe Fair - to name a few; plus concerts, exhibitions and workshops to enjoy across the area. Within Oke Links, we also feature the popular Tour de Moor biking challenge raising much-needed funds for St Luke’s Hospice as it returns to Dartmoor on Sunday, October 9. For a full round-up of the events taking place in your town or village, head to pages 40 to 47. Our two local people featured in this magazine are women dedicated to their crafts - though in different ways. On pages 8 and 9 we meet Emily Dooley, a trained and successful shoemaker, from Moretonhampstead, who is committed to sustainable practices. As the owner of Bracken and Sole, Emily strives to find materials of the best quality and traceability. Next up, we meet Kristy Turner, the Museum of Dartmoor Life’s dedicated curator who is passionate about history and storytelling. After being made redundant from her previous job, Kristy considers herself to be ‘extremely lucky’ to have landed her dream job in Okehampton. Read more on pages 10 and 11. Our feature in this edition focusses on the newly launched Okehampton Community Fridge. Community Fridges are popping up all over Devon, and Okehampton has had a Community Fridge in The Ockment Centre since April this year thanks to local volunteers and a lottery funded, Devon-wide project called ‘Food Rescue’. Read more on pages 6 and 7. Sadly though, this will be my last Oke Links issue as Editor, due to family life taking precedence. I would like to thank all the contributors and people I have interviewed during my time as Editor, you have made the job so very rewarding. Happy reading!

Delivered by the Royal Mail to the following towns and villages: 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 Also available at Waitrose, Okehampton ntentsco Welcome to the September / October issue Lindsay Lindsay Turpin, Editor @okelinks 6 Feature 8 Local People 13 Noticeboard 22 Education 25 Business 26 Charity 29 Health 34 Gardening 39 Farming News 40 What’s On 48 Food and Drink 50 History 52 Walk 54 Trade Secrets 58 Directory 6 26 5250 THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Lindsay Turpin Design: Sara Venner, Julian Advertising:Rees Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard Tim: 07450 161 929 Jane: 07772 619 808 Contact Lindsay Turpin, Editor on 07738 231933 turpin@linksmagazines.co.uklindsay. Cover: Agapanthus at Mardon © Miranda Allhusen

The deadline date for any inclusions in the November/ December issue of Oke Links will be September 30, 2022. For all editorial enquiries please contact Tim Randell: tim.randell@linksmagazines.co.uk

Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to Olijam Communications Ltd the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by such material. The opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. All content s fully covered by copyright laws and reproduction in part or whole is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

A charity that is ‘free for all’

According to Recycle Devon, Community Fridges are popping up all over Devon and Okehampton has had a Community Fridge in The Ockment Centre since April this year thanks to local volunteers and a lottery funded, Devon-wide project called ‘Food Rescue’. What is a Community Fridge? Community Fridges make surplus food from homes and businesses available to all to ensure that good food gets eaten rather than wasted. Surplus food is food that is literally surplus to requirements. For the Community Fridge, that often means food that is after its ‘best before’ date which is still perfectly safe / good to eat as this is just a quality date whereas a ‘use by’ date is a safety date and the fridge can’t offer anything after a ‘use by’ date. Volunteers collect food from local businesses and make it available to all via a publicly accessible fridge which is self-service and offered on an honesty

FEATURE

Donna Bending, Team Manager at The Ockment Centre, said: ‘We are delighted to be hosting the Community Fridge and welcome as many members of the community in as possible to make the most of it.’ The fridge is open during The Ockment Centre’s opening hours - generally from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Anyone is free to pop in to use the fridge and there are clear instructions available about what can go in the fridge. Because the fridge only takes spare food, which is unpredictable, there will be times when the fridge will be empty. The fridge team

Newly launched Okehampton Community Fridge basis with the expectation that those taking food are mindful of others so that the food can reach as widely as possible. However, the food does need eating so it is important that people do take what they can use!

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Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk said it was ‘really grateful’ to all of the contributions that have been made so far.

7 FEATURE

Emma Croft, Food Rescue Project Manager, said: ‘Food going to waste has a massive carbon footprint, making it a large contributor to climate change - by using the Community Fridge we actually all get to play our part in helping the environment. So far, the Community Fridge has redistributed over 500kg of surplus food which equates to over 1,000 meals and more than £1,500 being put back into the local economy.’ The Community Fridge already has a number of sources for surplus food, including Waitrose but the team is also putting a call out to any more businesses, homes or allotment holders who think they might have spare food from time to Okehampton’stime.Community Garden has already kindly pledged any surplus produce that they might have available and local veg grower, Stone Farm Produce, has also visit our galleries in launceston, padstow, fowey, tintagel & st ives *Please present this advert to receive 15% Discount on any purchase over £30 in our Cornwall galleries or online with code OL30. Excludes commissions. Not in conjunction with any other offers. Valid until 31st Oct 2022. JODOWNS.COM just started to contribute their veg box surplus to the fridge. Emma added: ‘If you grow your own or ever have spare food because your plans have changed or you are going away then please bring it along to the fridge for an easy way to share it with Theothers!’Food Rescue project also plans to start making connections with farms across Devon to start gleaning - where volunteers harvest crops that would otherwise be uneconomic to harvest and would normally be ploughed back in. These surpluses would then be redistributed via a range of community food projects. To find out more about the Oke Community Fridge contact Emma on 07966 566435 or via Facebook.Okefoodrescue@recycledevon.orgemailCommunityFridgeisalsoon

Handmade footwear is well made and repairable, and as they are made to measure they fit your feet better.

‘Fast fashion has become such a massive problem for the environment, and I am proud to be part of the fight against it. I enjoy being able to give my customers different options with colours and types of sole and I am open to feedback and ideas for new designs. ‘I decided to start my own business after leaving my old job because I enjoy making shoes and wanted to continue using the skills I have, I love being able to help people have something that is unique to them and their feet and Emily Dooley is a trained and successful shoemaker who is committed to sustainable practices.

A bright future

Emily developed her skill when she was 22, during her time at University of Plymouth where she gained a BA Hons in Fine Art. While she was setting up her degree show, Emily took on a job working for Green Shoes, in Moretonhampstead, where she stayed for seven years and learned how to make shoes. And she has never looked back!

‘I have always been aware of the impact humans have on the planet and I feel we all should take on the responsibility to tread lightly. I realise that the biggest problem is over consumption - my business is based on trying to minimise that,’ said Emily. Emily, who lives in Moretonhampstead, is the owner of Bracken and Sole, based at Bridford, which strives to find materials of the best quality and Atraceability.fullytrained and successful shoemaker, Emily has made quality footwear for nine years and is a trustee on the Moretonhampstead Development Trust where they work on projects to help the community to thrive.

8 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk LOCAL PEOPLE

9 knowing that I am doing something positive for the world. ‘Working for myself is challenging and something I have not done before but as a single mum is has been great being able to work the hours that suit me. I like the variety of my work, from doing marketing and building a website to playing around with designs and ideas and making shoes for people.’ Not only does Emily use sustainable products for her business, she creates her own clothing items and also spends her spare time growing her own produce within her allotment where she keeps chickens and grows fruit and vegetables. Her family play an important part in her life, and they all live close by in the Chagford area: ‘I am a single mum I have two boys 15 and 6; I have an older brother and sister and 5 nieces who also live near. I play bass guitar in a band For further information get in touch on 01837 52078 or contact@lakesidecarehome.co.uk www.lakesidecarehome.co.uk • A daily programme of activities and entertainment • Nutritious home cooked foods and regular themed menus • Easily accessed lakes, natural meadows and woodland • Treatment room for hairdressing, chiropody, manicures, pedicures and massage • Wireless internet access for everyone • CQC Rated GOOD Looking for a feeling of family and belonging? We can offer: Lower Maddaford, Southcott Okehampton EX20 4NL Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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LOCAL PEOPLE

‘The museum is an amazing place to work with an incredible team of volunteers and trustees. I have to wear many hats but my National Trust training has set me in good stead.’

‘I had a set of keys and a laptop and plenty of time to get to know the museum before we opened.

‘Over the years I have renovated several properties and worked in interior design. My partner and I have been together for 23 years and together we have raised three wonderful children.

Extremely lucky ‘Sadly, towards the end of lock down, I was made redundant which was devastating but within a week the job for the Museum of Dartmoor Life Manager/Curator was advertised and I consider myself extremely lucky to have got it.

Kristy started at the museum at the beginning of January 2021 just before the country went back into lock down.

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‘I have always loved history and research and particularly interiors, so this was a dream come true for me. I loved looking

Kristy’s education saw her achieve a BSc Hons degree in Textiles and Design from Cardiff University and she went on to become a fashion buyer for Adams Childrenswear and eventually was on the initial buying team that opened TK Maxx in the UK and Europe. She left the corporate world behind her 24 years ago and moved to Cornwall to have her daughter and to have a ‘simpler life’.

Eventually Kristy, who now lives in Bude, became a House Steward, working with a great team to re-display many of the rooms as the Castle’s huge refurbishment project came to an end.

‘After doing all these different jobs, that allowed us to be around for our children, eight years ago I decided to do something for myself and went to work as a conservation assistant at Castle Drogo.

after the Castle and getting up close and personal with the amazing collection and discovering its stories.’

Meet Kristy Turner Museum of Dartmoor Life’s dedicated curator

The Museum of Dartmoor Life is situated in the centre of Okehampton and stands to serve the local community and wider public to explain the wonders of the town’s history. And at its helm is Kristy Turner, a woman passionate about history and storytelling. Born and raised in Sedgley in the West Midlands, Kristy’s journey to becoming the manager and curator of Okehampton’s museum was eventful.

We had a restaurant in Launceston for many years called La Bouche Creole as my partner is a chef from New Orleans. We eventually moved the restaurant to Bude but now have retired from that business.

‘I really see this museum as a community asset and I believe it is vital to work with local charities, councils and businesses as well as Dartmoor individuals, to tell the important stories of this beautiful and fascinating area.’

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Telling a story ‘I love telling an object’s story so I am slowly adding these to our displays for our visitors to enjoy. We have lots of exciting plans and a great team of trustees who are working on our future strategy.

WhenHobbiesshe isn’t hard at work for the museum, Kristy loves writing and walking - as long as it involves a good pubgardening, visiting other museums and stately homes, and she is hands on with developing their property.

Lindsay Turpin

‘We have been lucky to have won a grant from the Royal Society for our next planned exhibition for 2023, “Dyeing on Dartmoor”, looking at the flora and fauna that our ancestors would have used to dye their wool clothing, and also how the wool industry has gone on to shape Dartmoor history.’

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With a free hand on curation, Kristy has been able to work with the team to organise exhibitions - these have included the railway exhibition, and the more recently ‘A Right Royal Exhibition’, which will run until mid-September.

‘The Museum has been open for 41 years now and we want to continue to develop it to attract even more visitors through our doors. There is so much more we can do but as a small charity we have to acquire funding to do anything.’

Links Magazines.indd 1 08/02/2022 10:02

‘I have two dogs and a cat to look after now all our children have flown the nest. I sing in a local choir and love to check out new restaurants with friends. Best of all I love spending time with my family who are fairly widespread so every occasion is special.’

11 LOCAL PEOPLE 01548 202020 | www.toadhallcottages.co.uk

The museum’s volunteer team Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

CREATIVITY

From its inception in 1989 Landmarc has always paid the greatest respect to existing landscapes and conditions when satisfying clients requests. On several occasions this has meant employing innovative approaches to problem solving and construction. This ethos has given us the opportunity to work in excess of fifty National Trust and English Heritage properties as well as numerous projects in the private and public sector. The image on the right is a recent example of our expertise. What was originally just a field at the bottom of the garden has been transformed into a stunning natural swimming pool with a reed generation zone, jetty and waterfall and has the additional benefit of providing a haven for wildlife.

CAPABILITY

Having invested in a wide range of modern plant and equipment, this enables us to undertake the majority of works required. Our fabrication workshop gives the additional compliment of providing bespoke steel work, from traditional tree guards, estate railings, gates, pedestrian & vehicular bridges. We work in a variety of locations including AONB, SSSI and tidal/coastal areas. No two jobs are exactly alike, and each has its own particular problems. Our three decades of experience has given us a vast knowledge of how to overcome challenges.

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LANDMARC 01803 712946 07970 info@landmarc.co.ukwww.landmarc.co.uk256590

A wealth of knowledge and our well trained team means we can see any project through from design to completion, including project management contracts involving other trades. Working alongside machine technology & ongoing investment enables us to offer services & solutions beyond what others may be able to offer. As environmental engineers we are aware of our carbon footprint, so all machinery runs on bio oil and we are constantly striving for more sustainable alternatives.

A small family run business with a lot to offer, at Landmarc we are big enough to cope, yet small enough to care. Est. 1989

VERSATILITY

New tackletravelcommunityfundtoloneliness 01837 861777 • www.bridestowe.org.ukbvh@bridestowe.org.uk VILLAGE HALL atYour wedding FULL DETAILS & HIRE RATES AT OUR WEBSITE Fantastic Wedding Venue -also available for parties and other events Seats up to 120 guests Full catering facilities • Easy parking 01409 253962 Banksales@holsworthytravel.co.ukHOLSWORTHYTRAVELHouse,HolsworthyEX226DYYOURLOCALINDEPENDENTTRAVELAGENT Here for you when you are ready toexplore the world once more! ²

Councillor Andrea Davis, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Devon County Council, said: ‘We know that transport can often be a barrier to connecting with others, perhaps due to living in a rural area or simply through lack of confidence in using public transport. Loneliness or isolation can negatively impact people’s wellbeing and can affect all ages. The Connecting You initiative is inviting community organisations to apply for grants to provide transport solutions to enable people experiencing or at risk of loneliness to access opportunities.

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Devon’s pilot project involves a variety of support aimed at reducing loneliness in over-55’s and young people aged 16-24. For full grant criteria and to apply, organisations should visit: connecting-youwww.traveldevon.info/accessibility/https:// Devon County Council will be working with a series of partners to deliver a series of other innovative transport schemes tackling loneliness. include Devon Communities Together, Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, One Northern Devon and WestBank Community Health and Care. is not always about being alone, sometimes people can experience it through having a set of circumstances that can make them feel isolated

The Connecting You initiative is already supporting a number of projects tackling loneliness with transport including Chatty Bus, an initiative led by Westbank which enables more conversations on buses. Nina Parnell from Westbank said: ‘As a local charity we see the often devastating impact of loneliness on individuals. A simple conversation can and does make all the difference to someone’s day. The Chatty Bus service will provide a brilliant opportunity for our volunteers to have a friendly chat with people on route and also to provide information to link them into community groups and services which can help to reduce loneliness and isolation.’

‘Loneliness is not always about being alone, sometimes people can experience it through having a set of circumstances that can make them feel isolated, for example having a disability or being a young carer. Transport can help solve this problem by connecting us to people, places, and experiences.’

A new grant fund has been launched by Devon County Council to tackle loneliness through transport. The Connecting You Community Grants Fund will provide grants to projects and organisations to help connect people to activities that help tackle loneliness. The fund is open for applications from projects and charities across Devon. Grants can be applied for to fund specific transport projects tackling loneliness or transport related activities to enable people to access activities that will help. The grant is part of a Department for Transport funded project that Devon County Council successfully bid for earlier this year, which will deliver a series of initiatives tackling loneliness.

Partners

“ Loneliness

13 NOTICEBOARD

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JP and the Beans, the hottest new rock band, were ready to perform at the ‘Royal Variety Performance’ show, but so were some mischievous monkeys! Sadly, due to monkey antics the band never made it to the stage, but the show was a huge success as the monkeys led the way and sealed royal approval.

14 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk NOTICEBOARD Get TheatreChangedCompanyGetChangedTheatreCompanyis

The audience were delighted to finally see the Get Changed Theatre Company perform and thoroughly enjoyed the show. and Probate

First formed in 1981 and originally called ‘South Tawton Garden Club’, this friendly group of garden lovers – but not necessarily gardeners – starts its autumn 2022 season this September. Now called ‘North Dartmoor Garden Club’, it has regular monthly meetings from September to April on the fourth Thursday of each month, 7.30pm in Belstone Village Hall. Its first meeting of the new season will be September 22 when Nicky Scott will be explaining all about ‘home composting’. Nicky was instrumental in setting up the first community compost project and ‘Proper Job’ Community Re-use Centre at Chagford. He is the author of many books on composting and recycling. He will be explaining all you need to know about making your own compost.

The first public show, after many weeks of lockdown and restrictions, saw the team perform at D’Arts Fest 2022 held at West Town Farm, Ide. The setting provided the perfect opportunity for Get Changed Theatre Company to once again get up on stage.

Other meetings cover Charles Darwin’s Adventures in Chile, Wildlife in a Devon Garden, Plant Peculiarities and the ever-popular Alan French who will bring a selection of spring plants for sale. 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 go along? At £15 membership for the year, it is very good value for money. For further details contact Robin Hill 01837840332 edwinarobinhill@outlook.com

North Dartmoor Garden Club - new season starts

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a vibrant arts and drama charity for adults with learning disabilities who meet weekly at the Ockment Centre in the heart of Okehampton. Workshops are led by Jules Walker, an Inspiring Arts practitioner, and her colleague, Penny Marten-Smith. They use the ideas from the participants to develop the skills needed to perform, inspire, entertain, and educate public audiences.

In October, Helen Kearney will give a presentation entitled ‘The Medical Herb Farmer’. Helen and Stuart Kearney live at Elder Farm, a small medicinal herb farm, which is being established using permaculture principles. They use their plot to grow herbs to make into medicines, soap and other herbal products, as well as edible and cut flowers.

The Dartmoor Line was the winner of the Major Project category at the Railway Innovation Awards 2022. Representatives from Network Rail, Great Western Railway and the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership were presented with the award by Philip Sherratt, editor of Modern Railways Themagazine.Dartmoor Line project was a collaborative effort between Network Rail and Great Western Railway to reopen the Okehampton line. It was the first scheme to be delivered as part of the Government’s Restoring your Railway initiative and was also subject to the application of Project Speed principles, which meant the initial reopening was 21 months ahead of the original programme and more than £10-million cheaper than the business case submitted. The line between Exeter, Crediton and Okehampton now has an hourly service, seven days a week, all year round. 5 Fore Street • Okehampton • EX20 1AN 01837 52596 • c donaldsmenswear • www.donaldsmenswear.co.uk meets traditional service! Where modern style pop-up library sessions at the Community Club in the town during this time.’

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Photos of the stages of work on the roof will be shown in a display in the library later this year.

Pictured: the Dartmoor Line partners shown are (from the right) Ian Mundy, GWR; Carla Watts, Network Rail; Matt Barnes, GWR (holding trophy); Christian Irwin, Network Rail; Mike Parker-Bray, Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership; Philip Sherratt, Editor, Modern Railways magazine.

The original Bowring Library was built in 1902 by shipping magnate Sir Thomas Bowring (1847 to 1915). It contained a reading room and an upstairs billiard room and men’s club. Sir Thomas was a benefactor to many local causes in Moretonhampstead including the Bowring Prize which was a scholarship for a local child’s education, and the Unitarian Chapel where he is buried.

Moretonhampstead First Assistant Denise Gatley said: ‘I’ve bumped into many of our regular customers in town and I know they’re very excited to have their library back.

‘We’d like to thank our wonderful Moreton Friends Group volunteers and customers who supported us with the

Dartmoor Line wins national Railway Innovation Award

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

After a four month closure, customers were welcomed back to Moretonhampstead Library. The library had been closed since March 1. Extensive repairs were carried out to the roof of the historic building in Fore Street including new slates, lead and timbers, as well as work on the dormer windows, brickwork and pointing. Libraries Unlimited Head of Commercial and Innovation Steve Turner said: ‘This was an extremely complex job involving the removal of the whole roof. It was then rebuilt with new timber, and new slate was put on top. We originally anticipated it would take around six weeks but as anyone who is responsible for an historic listed building knows, you’re never sure exactly what you’re dealing with until you start work. We’re grateful for the skill of our contractors, and looking back to welcoming everyone back through the doors.’ Libraries Unlimited commissioned specialist contractors to carry out the work as the building is listed Grade II. The charity secured agreement for the improvements from Dartmoor National Park.

Moretonhampstead Library is reopening

• In 1880 it hosted a travelling Dairy School which taught butter, cream and cheese making to local girls.

• In the 19th Century it was a poor house – at one point the building housed 17 people from 6 families!

For more information, call 01837 55000 and speak to Sue.

To find out more contact: Leslie Terrell lesleyterrell17@gmail.com

for many years due to their social and charitable value to the local community. Eventually the building became a school in 1611 and remained so for the next 200 years. Since then, Church House has had many and varied uses:

NOTICEBOARD

This summer the Church House is open for cream teas every Sunday between 2pm and 5pm – ideal for hungry walkers passing on the Tarka Trail and Archangel’s Way.

The Church House at South Tawton is open for business

Okehampton District Community Transport Group has taken delivery of a new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, a Citroen Blaze. The purchase of the vehicle was enabled by the kind bequest of Mr Bill Litherland who was a volunteer driver for the charity for many years. It has also produced a new updated Bequest funds new vehicle for charity

01837 SpecialistBusinessLocal  brochure to show its vehicles, staff and fares. Sue Wonnacott, manager, added that the charity was recruiting: ‘Part time paid minibus driver – D1 on your driving licence required, full training will be provided; volunteer car driversparticularly in the Lewdown, Whiddon Down and Chagford areas; and trustees to join our small friendly team to allow us to continue to provide much needed services in our community.’

55482 Your

• After the war it had various uses including storage and parish meetings, but gradually fell into disrepair.

CPD Approved • Fully insured References available After a couple of quiet years, the Church House is now open and available for bookings. Perhaps you’re planning an art exhibition, a small wedding reception, a Christmas Fair, a local history talk or a musical event?

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The Church House is a grade 2* listed community building located in the centre of South Tawton village, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. It dates from the late 15th Century and was extensively restored in 2005 thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund and a number of local doners. The building was originally used to host Church Ales – these were parties for the whole village held to raise funds for nearby St Andrew’s Church and to support the poor. There was a kitchen on the ground floor for brewing ale and cooking food donated by the parishioners, and a feasting hall upstairs which ran the whole length of the building. In the square outside there would be plays, dancing, and other entertainment. Church Ales paid for the fantastic wood carvings in the church roof that can still be admired today. The growth of the Protestant religion in the late 16th Century meant growing pressure to ban Church Ales, but they persisted www.mbcaccountants.co.ukConsultation

FREE Initial

• It was a Sunday School during the first world war, and a billet for soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk soldiers in the second.

Jo Morgan - I’ve been living in Okehampton for 20 years and I joined the trustee board 16 months ago. I work as a fundraiser for a local charity so when this opportunity came up to help give grants instead of applying for them, I jumped at the chance! My children benefitted from the educational grants, and I wanted to give something back. I am enjoying meeting local community groups and being part of the decision process in awarding grants benefitting the town and hamlets in which I live.

The role of Editor is home based and offers a flexible working pattern. You can fit the role into your lifestyle for the ultimate in work/life balance. This is a freelance position and is approximately 60 hours work in the course a single issue.

For more information, contact: Tim Randell, Publisher 07450 161929 or tim.randell@linksmagazines.co.ukemail:

Do you have a real connection to our community and a passion for the people, events, history and heritage that makes our community so vibrant?

Oke Links has been proud to provide a platform where we could highlight the wonderful work of Okehampton United Charity and feature its dedicated trustees. Please enjoy reading about the charity’s ‘final three’.

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Jo Morgan, Ross Campbell and Michael Ireland

Michael Ireland - I was born in Torquay (June 1948) where I spent the first 6 months of my life in a private nursing home, before being adopted and brought to Okehampton. I became a trustee of the charity in 2012. In those ten years I have served as a member of the grants committee and as chair from 2017 to Until2021.2018 I worked in higher education, retiring from my career as a lecturer in the Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, at the University of Plymouth. My professional career has proved invaluable in assessing educational grant applications to the charity. I am a keen advocate of lifelong learning; in part based on my experience as a mature student entering Stirling University aged 27, where I read social anthropology with psychology. I completed a PhD at University College Swansea looking at the cultural impacts of tourism on people in Sennen Cove, Cornwall.

Ross Campbell - I was born in Okehampton and have lived and worked here in both the Agricultural and Construction sectors for most of my life. I have always been community minded. Being a Trustee of OUC has given me the opportunity to have a voice to help improve certain aspects of our community. Being part of a board of thirteen trustees is interesting and I must be honest, I find it much more enjoyable than I thought I would at first. This charity is for the benefit of all those who live within Okehampton and the Okehampton Hamlets. I consider we are very fortunate that this charity exists and very proud to have been a part of it for my term as a trustee.

Have you ever thought about being the Editor of one of our community magazines?

An opportunity has arisen within Links Magazines for an Editor. You don’t need to have come from a traditional journalistic background, although this would be preferable, but you will need to be skilled at interviewing, writing and highly organised. A good knowledge of cloud based folder storage (e.g. Dropbox) would be advantageous. Meet the final three trustees...

17 NOTICEBOARD

Mention the word Freemasonry and people often think of conspiracy, special handshakes, and secret organisations. Negative association is possibly more interesting than what actually happens in Lodges but, in Okehampton, the Lodge of Obedience is working hard to dispel myth, to encourage people to come and see the building, and to talk about its history and what Freemasons do.

Looking for somewhere to enjoy that hobby or store all your tools? constitutional government, and a ‘be all you can be’ approach to personal and societal development. Alongside the principal values of integrity, friendship, respect, and charity the principles of freemasonry as just as valid today as they were then.

Working from home? Need a shelter for your car?

The Lodge in Okehampton meets ten times a year. Our ceremonies remain largely unchanged since 1878 and members joining today will go through the same process as every other Freemason has and will.

Freemasons Hall in Okehampton is located at the junction of Station Road. It is an impressive building, boasting imposing architecture, but it stands in quiet anonymity, unnoticed by most passers-by for what it is and for what it stands for.

Call us now to discuss your requirements, or visit our display site, open all day, every day. Look no further. At Shields Buildings, we’ve got 30 years’ experience in handcra ing quality bespoke timber buildings, giving you the exact space you want, and a special addition to your home.

18 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Freemasonry has been continually active in the town since 1878 and the hall on Station Road has been there for 122 years. The Masonic Lodge in Okehampton was founded in 1878 following successful petition to the United Grand Lodge of England. A Warrant of Constitution was granted and the Lodge was founded on 26th August 1878 at a meeting held at the School Room, North Lane, Okehampton. Over 400 attended the ceremony after which those present marched to the White Hart Hotel, accompanied by the First Devon Militia Band, for a celebratory banquet. Lodge meetings were held at the White Hart until the current Lodge building was completed in 1901.

NOTICEBOARD Opening the door on Freemasonry in Okehampton

Charity is a big part of freemasonry and, as an organisation UGLE distributes large sums of money to where it is needed. As an example, £500,000 was recently directed to charities working on the ground in Ukraine. Locally we also distribute funds to worthy causes. Recently these have included Everything Okehampton and the Christmas Light Appeal, Dartmoor Rescue, Okehampton Food Bank and many more. If you are interested in finding out a bit more about Freemasonry in Okehampton, gmail.com.okehamptonmasons@email

Freemasonry itself is an organisation with a 300 year plus history and which attracts members of all ages and backgrounds. The ‘masonic journey’ is one of self-development and of looking out for the needs of others. The first edition of the Freemasons Book of Constitution was published 299 years ago and included charges on: religious tolerance, respect for civil law and de Bathe Farm, North Tawton, Devon EX20 2BE 01837 82442 • www.shieldsbuildings.co.uk

19 NOTICEBOARD

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A memorial plaque is being unveiled on Thursday, September 1 to honour the Polish Navy Servicemen who were stationed at VolunteerOkehampton.researchers

‘Friends of the Okehampton Polish Naval Camp’ applied to Okehampton Town Council for the installation of a permanent Memorial for the Polish Navy servicemen who were stationed in Okehampton in the 1940s and who bravely fought alongside Britain and its allies in World War II. Their application was successful and the council provided funding to place a Memorial Plaque in the town centre to commemorate the Polish Navy Training Camp and the Resettlement Centre located in the Oaklands area of Okehampton during the years 1944 to 1949. The plaque will be unveiled by Mayor Bob Tolley at 2pm at The Red Lion Yard. Following the ceremony a reception with light refreshments will take place in the Charter Hall, and, weather permitting, a guided tour of what remains of the original Camp site will be organised. By coincidence, the ceremony of unveiling will take place exactly 83 years from the day when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939 sparking WW2 and the reason why the camp came about. It has been confirmed that attending will be many sons and daughters of the original Okehampton camp navy personnel.

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Memorial plaque unveiling

01837 659679 • okehampton@howdens.com Units 3-4 • North Road Industrial Estate • Okehampton EX20 1BQ www.howdens.com Bring this advert to the Okehampton branch to receive a further £100 OFF your order! KITCHENS • APPLIANCES • DOORS • FLOORING • JOINERY •TRADEHARDWAREONLY FREE kitchendesignservice INSUPPLIERINSUPPLIERKITCHENTHEUKTHEUKNo1 OUR SALEONLYOFTHEYEAR5SEPTEMBER-29OCTOBER OKEHAMPTON

Lydford Land Appeal

The first Dartmoor Great Gather event

Okehampton’s only independent funeral service

ALBERY & REDSTONE

On a stunning summer’s evening in July, the first of the Dartmoor Great Gathers took place as part of Dartmoor Hill Farm Project’s ‘Our Upland Commons’.

Dartmoor is one of the focus areas in this three-year, £3-million project, helping to secure the future of upland commons in England. Led by the Foundation for Common Land this was made possible by grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Esmée Fairbairn, Garfield Weston Foundations plus local funders. Organised and delivered by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project and open to anyone, the event drew people from local and neighbouring communities, as well as visitors, to experience first hand the gathering of livestock from the high moor. In this instance it was a sheep gather in readiness for shearing; one example of the seasonal calendar for hill farmers and the connectivity between home farms and their common grazing rights.

ALBERY

15 East Street . Okehampton . Devon . EX20 1AS 01837 55299 www.okehamptonfunerals.co.uk

West Devon Mayor Cllr Caroline Mott recently joined fundraisers from the Lydford Land Appeal, which is a group raising funds to purchase land next to the village school to enhance learning and for community use.

A group of around 45 people took part in the gather based at Greenwell Farm near Yelverton on the southwestern edge of Dartmoor, leading a walk up to the adjoining Wigford Down to view the gather in action. The high point enabled an uninterrupted almost 360° view sweeping across the moor to Sheepstor, Princetown and across Plymouth Sound, and crucially the chance to watch the progress of the farmers on horseback or quadbike rounding up approximately 250 sheep and lambs, slowly walking them back towards the home farm. The group were invited to ask questions and included in discussions along the way, which provided an insight into the benefits for the farm that common grazing brings as additional ground to support animals, how the flock reinforce their ‘learing’ through generations which is partly bred into hill breeds and partly learnt behaviour meaning they will remain in their own lear areas whilst open grazing without barriers. This helps the farmer by ensuring their animals remain where they should and less likely to get mixed in with others, while allowing grazing levels to be managed overall. The need for shearing was also discussed and how it helps the animals keep cooler in summer heat, the low current value of wool as a commodity but the fact that it once underpinned a huge wool industry historically which is reflected in local heritage features such as pounds (for holding stock on the hills) or mills which processed the wool.

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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21 NOTICEBOARD

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Lower Sixth Former Achilles from Barbados won silver medals in the Devon Schools 100m and 200m events and the South West 100m whilst Year 9 pupil Jack from Bude won Bronze in the ISA Nationals 300m. It was year 9 pupil Henry, from Drewsteignton, however, who showed particular talent in the jumps. Having won the ISA South West high jump, long jump and triple jump, he went on to compete in the ISA Nationals at Manchester Regional Arena, in which he won Gold in the Triple Jump and Bronze in the Long Jump. Henry also became County Champion in the high jump and triple jump at the Devon Schools Track and Field Championships, going on to compete at the South West Regional Championships where he came second in the high jump and gained a place to represent Devon at the England Schools Athletic Association championships. Alas, Henry’s journey came to a halt after he pulled a muscle in his back and was unable to compete – but there is always next year, watch this space! Earlier this month, Shebbear College also found out that it had been shortlisted in the Sporting Achievement category of the Independent Schools of the Year awards 2022- with finalists to be announced in the autumn. that support them). Pupil voice is so important in the decision making process in schools and we are looking to develop more pupil groups going forward. I hope that by gaining this award, it will help to increase awareness and understanding of teenage mental health and the issues faced by young people today.’ Head Caroline Kirby said: ‘We are extremely proud that our strong pastoral care has been formally recognised in this way. As parents, we all want our children to achieve academically, on the sports field, on the stage. But what is more important is that they are happy and confident at school with the right support in place to enable them to flourish. This accolade is testament to the outstanding wellbeing care provided by our amazing pastoral team, which we will continue to develop and improve going forward.’

Devon County Championship and the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Regional and National Championships with many pupils taking part in more than seven competitions and winning numerous gold, silver and bronze medals between them.

A group of over 30 Shebbear College pupils competed in the North Devon Athletics League, North Devon Schools Championship, Shebbear College wins national award

Shebbear College is celebrating successful performances by many of its pupils at local, county, regional and national level.

Talent shines through at national competition

Year 9 pupil Henry wins gold and bronze medals at national level

22 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Shebbear College has achieved the prestigious Wellbeing Award for Schools, following a rigorous inspection of the school’s mental health and emotional wellbeing provision for both pupils and staff. Shebbear College has been working towards this for the past twelve months, with the initiative being led by Wellbeing Co-ordinator Lucy Taylor and Pastoral Lead Fran Lovett. This award, run in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau, focuses on the long-term culture of the whole school, using an evidence-based framework to ensure that mental health and wellbeing continue to sit at the heart of school life.

Shebbear College has a history of providing outstanding pastoral care to its pupils, and in January 2021, opened its Health and Wellbeing Centre (HAWC) offering daily care and support for pupils. Pastoral Lead Fran Lovett said: ‘At Shebbear, wellbeing and pastoral care has always been a strong focus. As we’re a smaller school, the teachers know all of the pupils and we are very quick to notice if something is not quite right. HAWC has been open for 18 months now and is at the heart of the school’s pastoral care with a fantastic team of trained staff. Seeing how much of a positive impact this is having on our pupils is fantastic. ‘We have some fantastic pupil groups, including our “Mental Health Ambassadors”, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Group and the Allies Group (LGBTQ+ and those

23 EDUCATION

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e joy of seeing them ourish

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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Our tailored, two-year scholarship programme ‘ECS Awards’ is your opportunity to see them truly ourish in an area they’re gifted in, with the stunning grounds of Exeter Cathedral as their backdrop.

Tailored learning Re ning of knowledge and ambitions

Small group sizes Mentoring by Specialist Heads of Department Learning in a spectacular setting School fee remission and bursary top-ups

“A fabulous programme to hone passions and skills. As a parent it o ers your child a real sense of achievement.” – ECS Parent

To discover ECS Awards & register your interest, or arrange a school tour: scan the QR code, visit exetercathedralschool.co.uk/awards, call us on 01392 255 298 or email us at admissions@exetercs.org lifesaving defibrillator has been placed outside St James Primary and Nursery School thanks to Devon Air Ambulance.

A

Last year, Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) crews attended 333 patients who were suffering a cardiac arrest. Earlier this year, the charity launched its ‘Help with all your Heart’ campaign to raise awareness about cardiac incidents and help the public to recognise the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. The campaign also aimed to provide useful information to help people become more confident in stepping in to help someone in cardiac arrest should the need arise. To support the vital importance of bystander help in local communities, DAA has begun to install a public Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at each of their 19 charity shops in Devon. However, their Okehampton Shop already has a defibrillator situated right opposite their shop, so this created a spare unit which could be positioned elsewhere in the Aftertown.

New defibrillator for local primary

looking at potential sites, Operations Manager at DAA, Darren Goodwin, approached St James Primary School to see if they would like to host a defibrillator on their premises, and the school staff quickly agreed. Geraldine Carter, Associate Principal at St James, said: ‘This is an essential piece of lifesaving equipment that is not only here for the school but for the community, too. The health and safety of our children and families is, and will always be, our top priority. We would like to thank Devon Air Ambulance for providing the defibrillator for our school and community.’

24 To promote your business to 23,536* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS • OVER 60 YEARS EXPERIENCE Book a contactless park viewing or a design appointment today. Call us on 01935 862079 or visit berkeleyparks.co.uk Glenholt Park Honicombe Park New Park Find your dream park home in the picturesque countryside of Devon. From completely bespoke builds to fully-sited, ready to move into homes, our team are here to help make your dream home a reality in Devon. Established and sought after location north of Plymouth city centre. • Flanked by woodlands. • Pleasant walks. • Close by Park & Ride offers easy travel links. Set in the Tamar Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. • Nearby shopping facilities. • Pets considered. • St. Ann’s Chapel has a post office and store. Woodland surroundings with views of the rolling hills of Dartmoor. • Good shopping facilities. • Plenty to explore. • Dartmoor is only a 10 minute drive away. www.alliance-garagedoors.co.uk Alliance Garage Doors Ltd • Mainbow Meadow • 1 Perry Lane • Forches Cross • Newton Abbot • Devon TQ12 6QA Replacements AutomationRepairs Your Local, Family Run Garage Door FREEPHONE:Company 0800 328 1930 CALL TODAY FOR A FREE SURVEY

BUSINESS

A campaign to promote everything that Okehampton town and the surrounding areas have to offer is underway. A new ‘Visit Okehampton’ website has been commissioned by Everything Okehampton and is being designed by local web business Visit Dartmoor Design. The site will showcase local businesses, attractions, shopping, accommodation, history, activities and the wonderful opportunities for exploring Dartmoor on foot or by bike. Visit Dartmoor Design has also created a new Explore Okehampton Town Map featuring the newly re-opened Dartmoor Line, local attractions, town amenities and the Town History Walk. The leaflets were funded by Everything Okehampton and have been distributed right across the local area including Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centres. GWR have distributed 5,000 of the leaflets across their network stations. Richard Burningham, Manager of the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, said: ‘We’re delighted to work with Visit Dartmoor and Everything Okehampton on this promotion. The Dartmoor Line has gone from strength to strength since its reopening last November and this promotion aims to further increase the benefit of the railway to the town and its local businesses by encouraging people to take the train and explore Okehampton. Thanks to GWR, 5,000 of the new leaflets are being distributed through stations across their network, including Bristol Temple Meads and London VisitPaddington.’Okehampton

Putting Okehampton on the map

is part of Visit Dartmoor, Destination Marketing Organisation for the Dartmoor area, The Visit Dartmoor website supports businesses providing accommodation, activities, attractions and food/drink with marketing, free training workshops, personal engagement and networking opportunities. For information about Visit Dartmoor, please see: www.visitdartmoor.co.uk µ visitdartmoor on

Trafalgar DayGala Dinner Friday October 21st 2022 Venue Okehampton Rugby Club Welcome Drink Two course supper Rob Hendy - Comedy Magician After dinner speaker Black tie 7pm for 7.30pm Tickets £30 per person For tickets contact: Christine

25Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

07881 802055 or email everythingokehampton@gmail.com or visit Donalds Menswear, Fore Street, Okehampton Proceeds going to the Okehampton Town Christmas Lights appeal The Okehampton2023Calendar Available now to purchase This A5 calendar includes an envelope and comes wrapped in cellophane. Just £3.50 from selected outlets Okehampton Post Office Museum of Dartmoor Life The News Agent West Street You can also purchase online and have it posted for www.visitokehampton.co.uk£4.50 These calendars have been produced to raise monies towards the: The Christmas Lights Edwardian Evening Promotion of The Town Printing and publishing The Town leaflet If you would like to be an out let for the calendars please call Allenton on 07782222404 Available now to purchase This A5 calendar includes an envelope and comes wrapped in cellophane. Just £3.50 from selected outlets Okehampton Post Office Museum of Dartmoor Life The News Agent West Street You can also purchase online and have it posted for letIfvisitokehampton.co.uk£4.50Thesecalendarshavebeenproducedtoraisemoniestowardsthe:TheChristmasLightsEdwardianEveningPromotionofTheTownPrintingandpublishingTheTownleafletyouwouldliketobeanoutforthecalendarspleasecallAllentonon07782222404 THE OKEHAMPTON2023CALENDAR

Take on a challenge for

Louise Jones, mum and co-owner of The Coffee Bank in Ottery St Mary, braved her fear of heights to take on a skydive for Hospiscare with fellow mums and colleagues, Jodie Blatchford and Susie Woodin.

26

we spoke to whilst raising our sponsorship for Hospiscare, the more we realised how dear the charity is to so many people in our community. It spurred us on even more.’

advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk CHARITY FOCUS

Jodie Blatchford, Louise Jones and Susie Woodin prepare for their skydive with Hospiscare Fundraiser. Ellie Williams

To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 01822 615627

The local hospice charity for Exeter, Mid and East Devon is asking the community to do something amazing by taking on a sponsored challenge to support end-of-life care. Hospiscare supports patients living with a terminal illness and their families. The charity receives just 18% of its funding from the NHS and therefore relies upon the fundraising support of the local community to care for over 2,500 patients and their families every year. Anyone can take on a challenge to support their local hospice charity. From adrenaline-fuelled challenges such as skydives and wing walks to endurance challenges such as marathons, swimathons and couch to 5k, there is a challenge out there for everyone.

Louise said: ‘None of us have done anything like this before, but we wanted to do it for Hospiscare as we know firsthand the amazing work that the hospice provides. They are true heroes! ‘As scared as we all were, it was something we could tick off our bucket lists, and raising vital funds for

Hospiscare at the same time was a ‘Inbonus!the lead-up to our jump, we were really nervous, but the more customers

To take on the challenge of a lifetime and raise vital funds for local endof-life care, visit www.hospiscare. co.uk/challenges piscare, including fundraising events and Hospiscare stories, visit the website.

The local hospice charity receives just 18% of its funding from the NHS, therefore events like Coffee Morning are vital to keeping Hospiscare’s specialist service running and ensure its care is provided at no cost to patients and their loved ones.

Put the kettle on for Hospiscare’s annual Coffee Morning fundraiser

Throughout September, the charity is asking its supporters to release their inner bake-off champion and put coffee and cake at the forefront to support local people living with a terminal illness. Hosting a Hospiscare Coffee Morning is as easy as making a brew! Set the date and location, register for your free fundraising pack and rally together friends, family and neighbours to raise vital funds for local end-of-life care. This year, Hospiscare is celebrating 40 years of caring in the heart of Devon. Every year, thousands of cups of tea and coffee are made in the hospice, providing comfort to patients and their families. Every penny raised at Hospiscare’s Coffee Mornings will provide vital support to people at the end of their lives and allow Hospiscare to continue providing comfort, as it has since 1982.

CHIROPODIST & PODIATRIST Clinic in Okehampton 3 Church Court • St James Street Okehampton EX20 1DJ Tel: 01837 BScWhiteley338672Podiatry(Hons)Pod.MCPod. Acupun ct u re Tuina Remedial M assage 07792 333109 well s prin ga c u@gma i l.com t he -wel lsp ri ng .co.uk Ihsan Dal Din BSc (Hons) TM C ha g ford & Exbourne There are many people in your community who need our support to stay in their own homes. You could make all the difference to someone’s day. JOIN US AND YOU’LL GET • To be part of a small, professional team who are more like a family! • £10.90 per hour, with an additional 10% for work pre 8am, post 6pm or over the weekend, plus paid travel time. • Flexible shift patterns with full-time and part-time positions available. • Training and support until you are ready to work on your own. We Need People Just Like You! 01647 279211 or email lily@nedcare.orgFor an informal chat, call

CHARITY FOCUS

27Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Laura Robertson, Fundraising Manager at Hospiscare, said: ‘As a local charity, we rely on the support of our local community to fund our care so we’re grateful for every single coffee brewed and cake eaten! Getting together with family, friends and colleagues for a cuppa and a slice will make a huge difference to people.’ Western Power Distribution is sponsoring Hospiscare’s Coffee Morning campaign this year, and has been supporting the charity for many years in all types of fundraising activities. It is thanks to their support that Hospiscare will be able to provide Coffee Morning hosts with all the necessities for a successful event. Put the kettle on and host a Coffee Morning this September to raise vital funds for Hospiscare. Sign up today by visiting hospiscare-coffee-morningwww.hospiscare.co.uk/

28 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk Book AppointmentYour Now 01822 617883 Private Hearing Aids Private hearing aids care allows people to get the help they need immediately locally based with no waiting lists or restrictions on the type of hearing aid you are able to receive. NHS Hearing Aids Accredited by the NHS. Locally based, no need to go to hospital, ask your GP to be referred. Ear Wax Removal Instant effect, your hearing will be clearer and brighter. No mess procedure and no need to pre-oil your ears. The help you n d straight y – no wa ng! You are only a phone call away from changing your life NOT HEARING PROPERLY? 1a Pym Street Tavistock PL19 www.hearingmobility.co.ukinfo@hearingmobility.co.uk0AWFindusonFacebookforthelatestnewsandproductsALISTAIRKINSEYHearing•Mobility

• Gender - more women are affected by Alzheimer’s than men, almost double.

Support and more information: Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support line: 0333 150 www.dementiauk.org0800Dementiawww.alzheimers.org.uk3456UKHelpline:8886678

HEALTH World Alzheimer’s Day September 21

29Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

People who live a healthy lifestyle, especially from mid-life onwards, are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. There are lots of health problems that increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to keep these under control and get professional support as early as possible. They include: • Stroke and heart problems

infections, thyroid problems, circulatory issues, vitamin deficiency, sleep apnoea, stress, and depression. It’s important to rule these out. Your GP should take the person’s medical and family history and ask questions about their concentration, short-term memory, mood, and behaviour changes. You will likely have a blood test to rule out anything else which can show similar symptoms and have a follow up appointment to discuss your results and your GP can order more tests or make a referral if appropriate.

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia and can affect someone at any age but more so in those over the age of 65. Almost all of us will know someone living with some type of dementia. Here are some facts and information about Alzheimer’s.

• Age - being over 65 - a person’s risk can double every five years, over the age of 80 there is a 1 in 6 chance of developing dementia.

IfGettingObesityhelp:youorsomeone you know has symptoms of dementia, visit a GP or advise them to do so as soon as possible. Some other treatable conditions have similar symptoms, including

The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells that connect to each other. In Alzheimer’s disease, connections between these cells are lost. This is because proteins build up and form abnormal structures called ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’. Eventually, nerve cells die and brain tissue is lost. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease which gets worse over time. Symptoms can include :

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s but there are some medications to help slow the progression. Risk factors and prevention:

Sophie Patrick Healthcare Assistant Okehampton Medical Centre

What causes Alzheimer’s and what are the symptoms?

• Diabetes • High blood pressure

• Genetics - in rare cases, Alzheimer’s can be passed from one generation to another, this type of dementia usually affects people under the age of 65.

• Poor concentration • Confusion • Slow and repetitive speech • Disorientation • Inability to remember recent events

• High cholesterol •

30 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk www.sportstherapyandmassageclinic.co.uk launcestonsportstherapy@gmail.com c @sportstherapyandmassageclinic • 07576 431213 Homeleigh Garden Centre • Launceston PL15 9SP Injury Therapy & Rehabilitation Injury Assessments & SportsTreatmentMassage Manual Lymphatic Drainage Acupuncture & Dry ShockwaveNeedlingTherapyMassageTherapy (a range of massages are available) New business comes to West Devon For more information or to book a FREE 20 minute consultation please call Melika on 07824882224 or visit okehamptontherapies.co.uk West Devon erapies (formerly erapies North Devon) o ers Counselling, Hypnotherapy, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and is now available face to face and online for people living in the Okehampton, Tavistock, and Launceston areas. Explorative and Wellbeing workshops starting soon, please see website for details. “I’m passionate about helping people to create happier and more fulfilling lives for themselves. My aim is to make the therapy journey as positive and upli ing as I can, therapy should never add to the distress that someone has experienced”. Okehampton Rugby Club Wednesday 6pm & 7.30pm Thursday 9.30am Contact : Jacqui 07961 975690 Our unique home enabling service is flexible and Home-cookeddementia-friendly.meals,countrywalks,householdadmin–andmuchmore… Over 15 years experience treating a wide range of conditions Acupuncture SAM HARGREAVES DipAc ACC BSc 07985 923 www.sam-hargreaves.co.uk160 Okehampton Devon & Cornwall Care Services A community care provider serving the local area since 2002 Call: 01822 610734 or Email: samantha@daccservices.com/pauline@daccservices.com 5 Canal Road, Tavistock PL19 8AR • www.daccservices.com All managers and Carers are DBS checked and trained to a high standard Care services for your loved ones ¸ ² Personal Care • Si ing Service • Meal Preparation • Cleaning Service We are able to work with any type of care no ma er how complex We have packages to suit your needs to enable you to stay in the comfort of your own home FREE NO OBLIGATION INITIAL MEETING Caring for People in the Community

surgery 14 e Rock Hotel | Yelverton | PL20 6DS 01822 853344 | www.rockdentalpractice.co.ukinfo@rockdentalpractice.co.uk A FAMILY-FRIENDLY DENTAL PRACTICE OFFERING COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE • Newly installed accessible downstairs surgery and reception • In house oral surgery and implant solutions • New Cone Beam CT Scanner • Free Parking Ourteamaredelightedtowelcomenewprivatepatients! with teethremovalfromsurgicalrangecanexperiencehasHospital.postassociatepracticetimewhoSomasunduran,SureshsplitshisbetweentheandhisspecialistatDerrifordSureshmanyyears’andofferawideofadvancedoptionssurgicalofwisdomtomorecomplex treatments, such as ‘All on 4’. He accepts patient self-referrals as well as referrals from general Thedentists.whole team look forward to welcoming patients, both existing and new. The Rock Dental Practice 14 The Rock Hotel, Yelverton PL20 6DS. www.rockdentalpractice.co.ukinfo@rockdentalpractice.co.uk01822853344

31Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Expansion & investment for Rock Dental

During this last year they have expanded the practice to include a newly fitted accessible downstairs reception and surgery. There is ample free parking, helping to ensure the patient experience is as straight forward as possible. The practice has recently invested in a new cone beam CT scanner and intra – oral scanner to further enhance the level of patient care. Lucy and Raj have secured more clinical staff to enable an increased capacity for new private patients, which they are delighted to accept. The team is able to provide comprehensive general as well as advanced implant solutions and oral

dentistry

Raj graduated in 2000 from SRMC University and has worked in both the hospital and practice setting in London before settling in Plymouth. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and has a special interest in Periodontology in which she gained a Masters Degree in India. Raj recently completed training in botox and fillers and consistently attends courses to further her dental techniques and skills. Lucy qualified from Cardiff University with BDS (Hons) in 2010. She carried out her vocational training with Malcom Prideaux in Plymouth before working as a Maxillofacial Senior House Officer at Derriford. Lucy sat her MJDF exam in 2012 to become a member of the Joint Dental Faculties. She was an Associate Dentist at the practice for eight years, before taking up joint ownership with Raj last June. Lucy enjoys all aspects of dentistry and takes the time to build a good rapport with her patients.

Lucy Stevens and Raj Mohanty had the pleasure of taking over The Rock Dental Practice just over a year ago in June 2021. Lucy had worked alongside the previous principal dentist, Miss Pearton, who has now retired. The duo are keen to sustain the same friendly independent ethos of the practice whilst ensuring that it continues to stay up to date with the latest techniques and equipment of modern dentistry.

HEALTH

For ultimate peace of mind, our Live-in care service provides you with your own personal care assistant that lives with you in your home. And if you have unsettled nights, we also provide a night-time care service. For more information on this ‘outstanding’ service, scan the QR code or call us for a friendly chat. Stay safe at home, every day and every night. 01822 bluebirdcare.co.uk/west-devonwestdevon@bluebirdcare.co.uk678111 “ I’m happy to stay in my home ” your life your h your care your wayme I’m happy to stay in my home “ ”

The Ness Care Group is one of the leading specialists in cognitive health in older adults across Devon and has spent many years working with families across the county to help maintain their memories and improve quality of life. In its research over the years, the group has found that the earlier you seek mentally and socially stimulating activities when noticing early signs of memory loss, the longer you can delay the effects of decline and the need for more complex care. When seeing signs of dementia or memory difficulty, the common reaction is to avoid social situations and reduce stimulating new situations; this is the wrong thing to do.

Families and carers should seek out activities, and social engagements designed for people with cognitive impairment, delaying further decline in memory.

small groups of no more than five people to talk, to push the brains to think, to share stories and have fun. Each session lasts around 2.5 hours and those attending are welcome to go along as often as they like. The Cognitive Stimulation Therapists are all trained in working with those living with or experiencing memory loss. The facilitator will have carefully planned a packed session that concentrates a different element of our brains – communication, verbal, numeracy, facial recognition – but at the heart of every session it is having fun and building Thefriendships.NessCare Group is fully supported by Health and Social Care teams in East Devon and work closely with them to ensure families are supported at all stages of dementia. For any questions visit the website or call 01626 774799 to book a free trial session.

• Stay socially connected • Improve wellbeing • Maintain their memory • Respite for carers 01626 774 799 | nesscaregroup.co.uk | info@nesscaregroup.co.uk

Minds Mid Devon

FREE TRIAL sessions available HEALTH engagements designed for people with cognitive may be living with memory loss or who may have mild mental health and increase meets three-times a week in

Active Minds East Devon was set up by The Ness Care Group to help individuals who may be isolated, who may be living with memory loss or who may have mild to moderate dementia. The NHS recommended cognitive stimulation is designed to maintain your memory, improve communication, mental health and increase contentment. Active Minds meets three-times a week in Why keeping your mind active is so important when noticing signs of memory loss! Group sessions to help those with memory loss, run by leading specialists in dementia and cognitive Activehealth.

33Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

The biodiversity of wild plants is often talked about, but the diversity of garden plants is also of great importance. Every time a garden plant is lost, a piece of social, cultural and horticultural history dies with them. The genetic heritage contained in these plants can only be preserved by growing, propagating and sharing them with other gardeners. When garden plants are produced commercially, the less popular cultivars may be lost but these might have other properties, yet to be discovered. For example, they may exhibit disease resistance or be useful medically. Many garden plants are in fact wild species from other countries which may become endangered or extinct in their native habitat. Gardens can provide a safety net for these plants. Here at Rosemoor, we think of the garden as one huge collection of plants and, as with any collection, they need to be recorded and catalogued so that we know exactly what we have, this is where the numerous labels you see around the garden come in. These labels allow visitors to correctly identify the plants they are looking at and the horticulturists to keep track of specimens within the garden. Some of these plants are easily available through garden centres and nurseries, but some are rare or endangered (including some of Lady Anne’s original collection) and are propagated by our nursery team using traditional methods or by specialists, using tissue culture techniques. Lady Anne was a founder member of the National Council of the Conservation of Plants and Gardens in 1978; this charitable organisation was later named Plant Heritage. A key part of the conservation work of Plant Heritage involves the administration of Plant Collections held by its members up and down the country. National Plant Collections are living reference libraries where plants in a genus or group can be seen together, compared and researched. Some plants need specialist skills to maintain them which are easily lost along

34 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk ourPreservingheritage ‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock!’ PANNIER MARKET OPEN: Tuesday-Saturday www.tavistock.gov.uk9am-4pm01822611003 Follow us on: TavistockPannierMarket tavistockpanniermarket

35Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk Rowden Irises in the Upper Bog Garden Regent foreground, Naib behind GARDENING Mon-Sat: 9-5:30pm & Sun: 10-4.30 | EX17 6LA (1/2 way between Okehampton & Crediton) | 01363 82438 | www.bowgardencentre.co.uk Beautiful Gardens... Make the most of late Summer with Quality Plants, Trees, Firepits, Furniture & Garden Buildings... Gr��in� i� �e��� sin�� ���� ALL YOU NEED FOR A STUNNING POND & AQUARIUM...

Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer RHS Rosemoor Stock of Pelargonium Collection in the nursery

• Divide summer flowering herbaceous perennials which will ensure healthy, vigorous plants next year with the added bonus of increasing your stock of favourite plants.

Jobs for September & October

• When trimming your perennials after flowering in the autumn, leave some stems and seedheads to provide food and homes for wildlife over the winter.

• Plant out spring cabbages sown in July/August. Set the plants into the hole so that the lowest leaves are at ground level. ‘Puddle’ in the plants by filling the hole with water several times before adding soil. with the plants but by keeping the plants in collections, it is easier to keep the knowledge needed to allow them to thrive. This registered conservation scheme ensures that these plants will be a resource for gardeners, nurserymen, garden designers, researchers, plant breeders and those interested in historical gardens and landscapes for generations to come. Rosemoor holds National Plant Collections of Ilex (holly), hardy Nerine, Ruscus, Cornus (dogwood), Rowden Irises, Devon Apples (Malus) and Pelargonium. The Ilex and Cornus collections were inherited from Lady Anne when she gifted Rosemoor to the RHS in 1988 and built upon over subsequent years. Nerine and Ruscus were handed over to us when the original holders could no longer ensure the upkeep of their collections. The Rowden Irises were given into the care of Rosemoor when John and Galen Carter of Rowden Gardens near Tavistock retired. Our Devon Apple Orchard was started from scratch and awarded National Plant Collection status in December 2021. Some plant groups are so large, that the collections are shared

Home-MadeLocationStunning&DeliciousFood.

between different holders; Rosemoor looks after scented leaf and variegated zonal pelargoniums and the remaining groups are divided between the other RHS Gardens. Plants in the Rosemoor collections are propagated by our skilled nursery staff to ensure a continuous supply of healthy specimens. Where possible at least three of each plant is either in the garden or being looked after in the nursery. It is also important that rare and unusual plants are made available to the public to buy and grow in their own gardens and to that end, we are holding an autumn Plant Heritage fair on 10 September. Plant Heritage will have a presence at our Flower Show 19-21 August, ready to answer your questions about their work or just to have a chat.

• Net your pond before leaf fall gets underway to prevent leaves from settling, decomposing and silting up the pond.

• Move tender plants, including aquatic species, into a greenhouse or conservatory before the first frosts are likely to strike.

• Take the opportunity to increase the number of plants in your garden for free by collecting and sowing seed from perennials and hardy annuals.

Please mention Oke Links when responding to adverts.36 TREE SURGERY • HEDGE TRIMMING • STUMP GRINDING SITE CLEARANCE • AND MUCH MORE... cf07398 adamofedentrees@gmail.com268877 @adamofedentreesCheckusoutat: A friendly, family run company providing a range of high quality arboricultural services CALL NOW for professional advice and to arrange a no obligation quote FULLYINSURED PondDartmoorServicesDesign and Installation Waterfalls and Streams Ponds and Lakes Water LeakRenovationFeaturesRepair Ellis Taylor 07836 www.dartmoorpondservices.co.uk576722 Quality A ured Established for over15 years. Fencing • Paving • Decking Brickwork • Stone Walling Turf Laying • Tree Felling Weed Spraying • Hedge Reshaping Garden Clearance • Rough Cutting So Landscaping and more... 01822 860675 07977 272170 www.menforallseasons.co.ukPleasenoteournewphonenumber: 01822 www.johnafrancisstonework.co.uk458073CITYANDGUILDSQUALIFIEDFREEQUOTES OKE LINKS Promote your business in Call the team on 07450 161929 and reach over 10,000 homes and businesses... from just £7.50 per week! Meadows Edge | Exbourne |Okehampton EX20 3SH 01837 851332 | 07712 044406 | e: dhservices@xln.co.uk Keep your lawn in check with our large range of quality garden machinery for every size of garden All your garden needs under one roof - come and see for yourself dhgardenmachinery.co.uk With years of experience and expertise our friendly team are on hand to help you make the right choices RIDE ON MOWERS | LAWNMOWERS | STRIMMERS | CHAINSAWS | LAWN CARE ACCESSORIES

37Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk Follow the brown signs to Endsleigh House and Gardens from Milton Abbot NURSERYGARDENSENDSLEIGH HEDGINGOrderbarerootNOW Milton PL19TavistockAbbot0PG01822870235 !" www.endsleighgardens.co.uk Open 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday Contact: DAYNE BENDLE 07481 864656 • d.h.gardenservices@hotmail.com GROUNDS & ESTATE MANAGEMENT COVERING NORTH TAWTON, OKEHAMPTON AND SURROUNDING AREAS • So Landscaping, Bed & Border Design and Planting • Shrub & Tree Pruning and Planting • Hedge Maintenance and Chainsaw Work • Mowing and Strimming • Garden Maintenance • Insured Contractor DH GROUNDS MAINTENANCE w w w . s t o n e l a n e g a r d e n s . c o m Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford, TQ13 8JU RHS Partner Garden Open all year round Woodland and Water Gardens National Collection of Birch and Alder Summer Sculpture Exhibition

38 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk Butchers_HallButchershHallTavistock VisitButchershalltavistockourwebsiteWWW.TAVISTOCK.GOV.UK & follow us at:Tavistock Town Council Working for the local communityLocated in the heart of Tavistock, within the market complex, Butchers Hall is home to a fantastic array of vibrant themed markets and events BUTCHERS HALL THEMED MARKET & EVENTS VENUE MARKETS & FAIRS FOR 2022 All dates correct at time of press, check our website for further events throughout the year 10 - 11 Nov Makers Market 2 Dec Magic of Christmas Market 3 Dec Tavistock arts Market 4 Dec Magic of Christmas Market 14 - 23 Dec Magic of Christmas Market 3 Sept Tavistock Arts Market 15 - 16 Sept Makers Market 1 Oct Tavistock Arts Market 12 Oct Goose Fair Artisan Market 20 - 22 Oct Autumn Fair 5 Nov Tavistock arts Market All events are free to enter

FARMING

39Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.ukOn

Canine Massage

The Old Exchange, Chagford TQ13 8BZ ( 01647 432488 f

OkefordVETERINARYCENTRE

a different note I did have an interesting week in early July. On the Monday we had a rural ecclesiastical group visit the shop for lunch, after this they came to the farm to talk about farming and rural affairs. On the Wednesday I went to see the North Tawton Women’s Institute to give a little talk and answer some questions. It got me thinking - in the past I’ve done some butchery demonstrations and we could hold an evening in the café with a butchery demonstration? If you are interested let me know. I don’t know how many of you know but for a while we have been trialing a 5% discount for over 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday in the café. After Covid, when many people had to isolate, including my parents, we feel it is good to encourage people to get out and about again. The only thing is we don’t make too much fuss about it as we want it to encourage locals residents to visit. Hope you all have a lovely summer, I don’t want to panic anyone but I will soon be writing my Christmas words...StuartLuxton

Passionate About Small Animal Veterinary Care

Holistic Therapy For Health Wellbeing & lisa@lisahalltherapy.co.ukRehabilitation07485697135• ² lisahalltherapy.co.uk

Okeford Veterinary Centre Ltd School Way, Okehampton EX20 1EU ( 01837 52148

A bit of rain would make 2,000 mouths happy! Hello again everyone. This is probably a first, I’m writing this sat out in my garden (end of July) past 8 o’clock in the evening. I know the weather is lovely but a good soak would do us so much good. August will see us starting to feed the cattle in the fields, which is something that we haven’t budgeted for as all inputs and feeds will be expensive - and we will then need to source extra to get through the year. We are situated on top of a hill, the warm winds have parched the land (pictured) - there is not much green anywhere. On the flip side harvesting is easy when the weather is like this, hay has been easy to make, grain doesn’t need drying. But I would still give that up for a good soak though. It would make 2,000 mouths very happy! I’m sure many of you have used the new train service to Exeter, I must admit I was skeptical at first but having used it myself I can confirm it is such an asset for the town. The track runs right through the farm, which isn’t a problem as it has always been there. What most people don’t know is that, unlike roads, the railway will always be responsible for fencing the line and making sure livestock can’t encroach. When the new line reopened the fencing had been promised but nothing was done. When the line was shut we could retrieve escaped animals. Now we are not allowed to and recently one of our ewes and her lambs was killed by the trainwe were contacted but not allowed to check for more animals. We were told that all they could see appeared dead and their risk assessment said that they could keep the train running. Near Crediton a number of cattle were killed. This is very hard for farmers who spend their lives caring for animals. Fencing did start and we seemed to be getting somewhere but has now stopped until the autumn. The situation is not being helped by the dry weather. Animals are restless and looking for a change of scenery. Let’s hope we get through the summer without any more catastrophes.

Get ready for the Great Chagford Food Festival

back and they are being joined by some new faces giving the festival a culturally mixed cuisine. There will be Punjabi food, Organic, Vegetarian and Vegan options while never forgetting the ever-popular Dartmoor Burger from the locally renowned Chagford Inn. The Cure Charcuterie not only provides local cured meats, it just does the best hot dogs ever. As befits a food festival in a rural area, Chagfood, a local organic farm, will be on hand to show you how you can eat well and reduce food miles at the same time. Chagford’s popular recycling centre Proper Job will be holding free upcycling workshops to add variety to the day. Throughout the event a shuttle bus service will run from the free overflow carpark in the Market Field to and from Chagford town square where the fun begins.

Beginner to advanced Professional Piano & Theory Tuition 01837 658608/07806 745641 clare_white19@hotmail.co.uk 5 Portugal Way • Okehampton • EX20 1DG Clare L White LTCL [Piano] clare_white19@hotmail.co.ukFISM

WHAT’S ON

40 To promote your business to 23,536* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk Representing the region’s finest artists Chapel Lane, Horrabridge, Yelverton PL20 7SP • info@wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk • 01822 258529 Traditional, investment & contemporary fine art . prints . ceramics . jewellery . glass . textiles www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk See the website for events , opening times & further info plus view our online gallery

If you’re a foodie there is only one place to be this summernot, the Chagford Food Festival. Food stalls from across Devon as well as local producers will be at this event, come along and taste some of the ‘food wonders of the world’. Last year’s event was a huge success This will be the second time the town has hosted the food festival. Last year was a huge success and saw Chagford town square bursting with people sampling everything from curry to crepes, pizza to pies and pasties, and just about everything in Thebetween.Chagford Food Festival will be held on Sunday, September 11 between 11am and 4pm. Music from local musicians will keep your feet tapping and Professor Bumble will be providing fun and games for the children keeping them entertained and laughing with juggling, tricks and treats. Popular stalls from last year’s food festival are returning. The Wild Dartmoor Kitchen, the French Cook in Devon, Andrew King Cornish Crepes and Gidleigh Park Hotel are

DARTMOOR’S ART GALLERY

Chocolates,

As always at the fair, if you keep your eyes peeled you might spot Uncle Tom Cobley (hopefully) on his grey mare, and merry (very) entourage, lending a hand about the field. Going on throughout the day you’ll be able to go and visit the sheep and cattle pens, as well as the vintage machinery, or take a look around the local handicraft and produce tent and admire the best of what the residents of Widecombe (and beyond) have come up with as part of their yearly attempts to out-bake (or grow) each other!

DESIGNER PAINTS • BLINDS & WINDOW ACCESSORIES

There’s always plenty to eat (and plenty of variety) at the fair. In the village there’s The Rugglestone, The Old Inn, and The Cafe on the Green serving up delicious fare, and in the field there’ll be a great range of local food producers from all over Devon, offering everything from hog roast to Thai cuisine. Subject to the latest Covid-19 regulations, 2022’s fair will take place at Widecombe Village Green and Fair Field, from 9am until late. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome. Entry is £10 per person payable at the gate, or just £8 if bought in advance. Children under 16 go Forfree.advance tickets, a full schedule of events, exhibitors and competitor information visit www.widecombefair.com

After a two year hiatus due to Covid, a popular local fair is back; bigger and better than ever!

WALLPAPERS • BESPOKE CURTAINS • FABRICS

Widecombe Fair has been running every year since 1850 and, aside from the last two years, has only ever not run during the two World Wars. It is well known as the subject of the folk song ‘Widecombe Fair’ featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends. Run entirely by volunteers this year, the fair will be held on Tuesday, September 13 and will raise money for Widecombein-the-Moor Primary School which celebrates its 90th year. The line up for this year is another fantastic variety of traditional attractions and those that are a bit ‘different’! This year’s main event will be a spectacular show of heavy horses. A full day of ring events, featuring cattle, sheep, horse and dog shows, the ever popular terrier race and vintage farm machinery, will run from 9.30am until 7pm. For those of an athletic disposition, the Uncle Tom Cobley Downhill Race is a real talking point. Also, for those into extreme sports, there’s the Bale Tossing, followed by the Tug O’ War, all to the soundtrack of some great folk music playing all day long.

41 WHAT’S ON Widecombe Fair Returns! Tuesday 13 September Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk Collection & Delivery Available www.fabricandfurniture.co.uk µ @fabricandfurniture ² fabricandfurniture  Linda 07484 093494  sales@fabricandfurniture.co.uk Upholstery Service Custom Made Footstools Paint TM and interiors 19-25 ST. JAMES STREET • OKEHAMPTON • DEVON • EX20 1DH 01837 55565 • contact@poshpaint.com • c • www.poshpaint.com

The popular Tour de Moor biking challenge raising much-needed funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth returns to the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor on Sunday, October 9. The event offers cyclists an adrenalinpacked adventure: the hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route of mud, sweat and gears. Cycling at its fiercest for those aged 12 and Alternatively,above!participants of 9 years or older can take it down a gear and saddle up for 30km of tough riding over hills and through woods, and there’s also the ‘mini moor’, a gentle 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail that’s suitable for all the family.

A local charity marking its 40th anniversary this year is inviting people to get on their bikes for an exciting challenge in aid of compassionate care and support that positively impacts families affected by terminal illness.

Sign up for the challenge andcostsorwww.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/tourdemoorat:bycalling01752492626.Registration£35forthe52kmor30kmroute,£15forthe11kmroute.

Not only does Tour de Moor cater for all cycling abilities, it also raises vital funds for the specialist care St Luke’s provides for patients and ensures they can make precious memories with loved ones in their final months, weeks and days.

The South West’s boldest charity cycling challenge returns for 2022

Tour de Moor WHAT’S ON Join Dartmoor’s Holiday Letting Experts - Est. 1982: 40 years of holiday letting excellenceCall | 01647 401615 (select option 2) or Email | help@helpfulholidays.co.uk Web | helpfulholidays.co.uk With 40 years’ experience in holiday letting, we can deliver industry leading booking levels, combined with hands-on support from our team of experts, based in our office on Dartmoor.

43Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

The Tour de Moor challenge departs from 8.30am at Harrowbeer Airfield, near Yelverton, and finishes there.

Sponsored by Print Copy Scan, a local supplier of printers and copiers, funds raised will help the hospice continue providing essential bereavement support for patients’ family and friends. Having welcomed its first patients to Syrena House in Plymstock in 1982, today the hospice cares for patients in their own homes, at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and at Turnchapel. Its critical service runs 365 days a year, covering Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall. Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, said: ‘Over the four decades since St Luke’s began, it has been our privilege to have made a difference to many hundreds of local families. So, if someone special to you was looked after by our team, taking on the challenge of Tour de Moor is a fantastic way to pay tribute to them. ‘With three classic routes to choose from, it’s ideal for families as well as more experienced cyclists who really want to push themselves. ‘Every hill climb will be worth the extra effort because the sponsorship money Tour de Moor raises is needed more than ever to help St Luke’s meet the rising demand on our service.’

are

CreditonMoretonhampstead,in&OkehamptonWellmoorhaveobtainedfundingtorunthree24weekprogrammes(in8weekblocks)ofinpersonstrengthandbalanceclassesatcommunityspacesinMoretonhampstead,CreditonandOkehampton.ThefreeclasseswillbeledbyClareParker,anexperienceddancepractitioner

WHAT’S ON

Those taking part will be given a thorough assessment of their needs before the programme starts, and the exercises will aim to improve balance and confidence, reducing the risk of falls. The programme is fully endorsed by GPs and physiotherapists at Moretonhampstead Health Centre and Okehampton Medical Centre, and referrals will be made both via GPs and self-referrals from participants or their Thefamilies.classes, which will be free of charge, will start soon. Contact Katie on katie@wellmoor.org.uk or call 01647 440775 for more information.

Open gardens this autumn ‘Stone Lane Gardens is a gem!’ - Joe Swift, horticulturist and broadcaster. Stone Lane Gardens, (Chagford, TQ13 8JU), is a beautiful and unusual 5-acre arboretum and water garden, with interesting under-planting and a National Collection of Birch and Alder. Autumn is a lovely time to visit with the turning leaves and the birch trees have lovely colourful peeling bark - dark browns, reds, orange, pink and white to add to the display. There are meadow walks and lovely views and you can also see The Mythic Garden sculpture exhibition sited among the trees. Open on Saturday, October 8th and 15th from 10am to 6pm. Light refreshments in the small tea room and tea garden. £5, Child: £2.50. Dogs on leads welcome. Moretonhampstead comprise(MoretonhampsteadGardensTQ138PW)twolargegardens:one in a wooded valley, the other higher up with magnificent views of Dartmoor. Both have mature orchards, yearround vegetable gardens, substantial rhododendron, azalea and tree planting, croquet lawns, summer colour and woodland walks through hydrangeas and acers. Mardon garden is 4 acres based on its original Edwardian design with a long herbaceous border and formal granite terrace plus stunning grasses, an arboretum, a fernery and a colourful bog garden beside a stream fed pond with a thatched boathouse. Sutton Mead garden is also 4 acres with a shrub lined drive, lawns surrounding a granite lined pond and dahlias, grasses, bog garden, rill fed round pond, secluded seating and gothic concrete greenhouse plus a sedum roofed summerhouse. Open on Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 4th, from 1pm to 5pm. Home-made teas at both gardens. Dogs on leads welcome. Admission: Adult: £6. Children: Free. The gardens are opening for the National Garden Scheme which raises money to support Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospices UK, Carers Trust and other nursing and caring charities. www.ngs.org.uk

44 To your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk Places limited; call or email for more info: 01647 katie@wellmoor.org.uk440775

promote

Charity number: 1105114Starting soon!

Are you aged 65+ and wanting to improve your balance? FREE Strength & Balance classes Image credits: All Dancing/Wellmoor in Okehampton, Moretonhampstead and Crediton Strength and Balance Classes

and qualified Postural Stability Instructor, and facilitated by a member of the Wellmoor team. The programme is aimed primarily at those who are over 65, who are at risk or fearful of falling, and will be limited to small group sizes of around ten people to allow individual attention for each participant. The sessions will include exercises to improve balance and confidence, and demonstrate ways to safely get up again after a fall, with the aim of improving participant’s independence and reducing the amount of falls-related hospital admissions.

WHAT’S ON Digital Devon Book onto one of the library’s free digital skills sessions in September at Okehampton Library to learn some basic digital skills or improve and refresh existing skills. Bring in your own device or use the public access computers. Booking Okehamptonessential.Library

Thenecessary.Book Biz Bunch, Junior Reading 1st Thursday of each month, 15:40-16:40 Does your child love books? Are they a confident reader? We will be focusing on having fun and reading for enjoyment at our Book Biz Bunch junior book club. Extra activities will be included. Any writing is completely optional. Free, booking essential. The Secret Book Quest A completely free, year-round reading challenge for 5-12 year olds across Devon. To take part, children need to sign up, read 50 books, collect stickers and solve the code. Library

kehampton Glass FasciasGlassuPVC,BalustradesGardenConservatoriesWindows&Doors&Rooms&ScreensAluminium&Timber&Glazing&Gutters

Duplo Builders & StorytimeWednesdays 09:30–10:15 Suitable for ages 0-5 years. Free, no booking necessary. Lego Builders - Saturdays Suitable10:30–11:30forages 5+. Free, no booking

ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YEARS • TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS

3 - 8 ‘LibrariesOctoberWeek’ - TBC, check the library’s Facebook page or website for 24details.-29 October Half Term Event - TBC, check the library’s Facebook page or website for Okehamptondetails.

Library regular events

45Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

FULLY INSURED • PEACE OF MIND GUARANTEED

Fun Palace Saturday 1 October 09.30 - 12.30

Fun Palaces is a national campaign to put culture in the heart of local communities. It is an annual weekend of action - arts, science, craft, tech, digital, heritage and sports. The library is offering a creative community morning of free taster activities. If you would like to take part, sharing a skill or learning a new one, contact Okehampton Library. For more information about Fun Palaces visit www.funpalaces.co.uk

Showroom hours: Mon-Thurs: 7.30am-5.00pm Fri: 7.30am-4.30pm Showroom at: Unit 1 Merrivale Road Exeter Road Ind Estate EX20Okehampton1UD 01837 www.okehamptonglass.comenquiries@okehamptonglass.com54019

Knit & Natter - Tuesdays Bring13:30-14:30alongyour knitting, stitching, crochet or other portable craft project, for a chat with like-minded crafters. Tea and coffee available at 70p a cup. Bounce & Rhyme - Tuesdays 10:0010:20 & 11:00-11:20 Suitable for under 5s. Free, no booking Babynecessary.Weighing – Tuesdays Free09:30-11:30self-weigh facilities for parents to weigh their babies, are available in a screened area within the library.

Events Okehamptonat

BarnSeptemberSeptember3danceatSampford

September 24 Belstone is the setting for the Archangel’s Way Celebration Event. A range of guided walks will start from The Green: • 09:30 am - a challenging moorland walk of under 10 miles • 10:30 am - a relatively easy moorland walk of about 5 miles • 12 noon - a reflective mini-pilgrimage of 1.5 hours from St Mary’s Church, BelstoneBelstoneVillage Hall will be open from 12 noon with stalls and displays about the Archangel’s Way. There will also be Music, Morris Dancing and refreshments on The Green from 2:30pm. More information from Judith Oakes judith. oakes@btinternet.com or the Rev Paul Seaton-Burn

Vintage fairground fun for all the family. It’s fully undercover so you won’t get wet if its raining. It’s a fun day out for all the family!

September 17 11 Tors Challenge Walk is back! Cam you wall 11 miles over 11 tors to help raise funds for Dartmoor Search and Rescue Tavistock? Join in with the challenge, or the shorter 5 mile family challenge walk, starting and finishing at Princetown. Entry is £11 for adults, children is £4. All proceeds go to DSRT Tavistock - like all of the Mountain Rescue, members are all unpaid volunteers. For more information by7.30pmThrowleighTheSeptemberThursday,RegularhomeNicky7.30pmNorthSeptemberwww.dsrt-tavistock.org.uk/11torsvisit22DartmoorGardenClubBelstoneVillageHallScottwillbeexplainingallaboutcomposting.monthlymeetingsfourthSeptembertoApril24nextconcertoftheFriendsofChurchwillbeheldatinThrowleighChurch-aconcertDhevdhasNair,atreatnottobe

Dhevdhas Nair is a UK based jazz pianist and composer with a background in African and Indian music. From an initial classical training, to playing ska and reggae in London, Afro funk in Sudan, classical music in India, and township style pop in Lesotho and South Africa, Dhevdhas’s influences have been wide and varied. Although his musical home is jazz, his own compositions defy classification. They are truly unique and varied.

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WHAT’S ON Courtenay Village Hall, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets £12 to include a sausage bap and salad. Bar and cakes at extra cost. To book email: secretary vhsc@ gmail. com or call 07811 324154.

OkehamptonOctobercoffeegoodbetweentoCourtenayclothesSCEnSusOctobergmail.comGreen.ininclude7pmSampford-Group)EnvironmentalSCEnSusOctobertheProcessionOkehamptonOctoberOctoberpaulsburn@btinternet.com15Carnival.TheChildren’stakesplaceat3.15pmandEveningProcessionat7.15pm.21(SampfordCourtenayandSustainabilityFashionShowwithanEcotwistallpre-lovedandnearlynewitems.CourtenayVillageHallfromto10pm.Ticketsare£5ppandwillnibbles.FundsraisedwillbeaidofSampfordCourtenayVillageTobook,contactclerkscpc@or07479775572.22coffeemorningandpopupshopinaidofSampfordVillageGreen.GoalongSampfordCourtenayVillageHall10.30amand12.30pmtobuyqualitypre-lovedclothesandenjoyandcake.29ChoralSocietywillhold

The Fairground Heritage Centre, Milford Lifton Devon PL16 0AT 01566 783425 • www.fairground-heritage.org.uk

missed. Admission is by donation on the door and refreshments will be provided.

Music of the Bells

47Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk PassionPassionReefPetShop License WDLA0044 01822 667944 • www.reef-passion.co.uk Unit 1 Pixon Court, Crelake Industrial Estate, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ

WHAT’S ON a ‘Come and Sing’ at Fairplace Church in Okehampton. Rehearsals during the day will prepare for a performance with soloists at 6.30pm of the ‘Little Organ Mass’ by Haydn and Part Two of ‘Messiah’ by Handel. Audience admission to the performance will be free with a retiring collection. Singers wishing to take part will be welcome. See website okehamptonchoralsociety.org.ukwww. for more September/Octoberinformation. meetings for the Okehampton and District Local History Society

September 10 10am to 12noon at Toast Wellness Centre

CanCanwww.handbells.org.uk.visityouhelp?youhelpsaveahome for wildlife?

The frog pond at Ranelagh Road in Okehampton is blocked and not fit for purpose. Volunteers are being sought to pull weeds and make the pond suitable for the wildlife that once inhabited the area. If you can help (and possibly have waders) contact David Wright on 01837 52927.

September 14 Mike Wreford ‘Stories of the buildings and people who lived in Okehampton Main Street’. 7.30pm - Ockment Centre, Okehampton. All welcome. October 12 Bernard Mills ‘The Railway from Okehampton to the Atlantic Coast - Part 2’. 7.30pm - Ockment Centre, Okehampton. All Welcome. Okehampton PADs CPR and Defibrillator Workshops

ThrowleighRegularsphotographic exhibition

November 25 6pm to 8pm at Okehampton Rugby Club. Booking essential by emailing Okepads@gmail.com

Have you ever wished that you could play a musical instrument? Why not try handbells? A modern handbell group usually has a large set of handbells with each ringer playing only two bells (plus any sharps/flats) – so it’s very much a team effort. Ockment Valley Ringers in Okehampton now have a couple of vacancies for anyone who would like to learn. You don’t need to be able to read music well (it’s marked to show which bell needs to be rung). The team

A collection of Dartmoor photographs is on show at Providence Methodist Chapel, Throwleigh. The well-known Dartmoor photographer Chris Chapman, who lives locally at Throwleigh, has been taking pictures of life around the moor for fifty years. Over this time he has built up a nationally important archive of photographs. His photos will be the focus of a special exhibition during a series of open days from now until EveryOctober.Sunday morning. Okehampton Rambling Club. Meet at Okehampton Post Office ready to leave by 9.30am. Varied walks of between 7 to 9 miles, moorland, coastal, countryside. Call Chris on 01409 221362 for more information.

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is usually 14 strong using both bells and handchimes. They play a variety of popular music as well as pieces written especially for handbells. New ringers can often be put in tandem with an experienced ringer until they get the hang of the instruments. Practices are held on a Monday from 7.30pm; why not pop in for an evening to see (and hear) how it’s done; you won’t be able to keep your hands off the bells for long! Contact Jane or John Willis (01837 52565) or email team@torbells.plus.com For more information

OPEN: Weds - Sat 10:30am - 5:30pm, Sun 11:00am - 4.00pm We supply: Marine Fish & Corals Reef Keeping Equipment

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A Family Run Hideaway in Devon LEWDOWN, OKEHAMPTON, DEVON EX20 4PN EMAIL: INFO@LEWTRENCHARD CO UK TELEPHONE:

Let’s start by clarifying what a dry wine is. Wine is made by mushing up (technical jargon!) grapes. Yeast then eats the sugar in the grapes, turning it into alcohol. If all the sugar is eaten, the wine is ‘dry’ meaning it has no sweetness. This is different to the dry sensation tannins create in your mouth. Coming from grape skins, stalks, seeds and sometimes from oak barrels, tannins can help age wines and are mainly found in red wine - they are more a texture than a flavour. If a customer asks for something ‘not too dry’ they normally mean something with low tannins. To make wine sweet you stop the yeast from eating all the sugar (for example by filtering it out) - the remaining sugar provides sweetness. Sugar or concentrated grape juice gets added sometimes, but usually with cheaper products. This is called chaptalisation (because in the wine world everything needs a fancy word!). Most confusion around HOW sweet wine is, arises from the numerous - not always helpful - terms in use. Some are ‘official’ terms used in the trade, others have been invented to try and describe sweetness in layman terms. When faced with a wine list, “off-dry” means there is a little sweetness in white wine, whilst reds with some sweetness are called “medium sweet”. Why? No idea. You may hear other terms - semi-sweet, semi-dry or medium. It’s unnecessarily confusing, so most wine lists have a 1-5 scale of sweetness on them to help you! Within ‘sweet’ there is still quite a range, so here are some clues. Lighter sweet wines are usually paler in colour with lower levels of alcohol. Icewines may be as low as 6%. Wines such as Rutherglen Muscat are deeply coloured and around 17%. Fortified wines have spirit added to them and usually start at 20% ABV. There are many different styles of sweet or dessert wines, made in wildly different ways! Icewine involves letting grapes freeze on the vine, then crushing them to remove the water, leaving a concentrated and incredibly pure juice. Rutherglen Muscats are made in Australia in furnace-like sheds! Both are delicious but very different. The epitome of dessert wine making involves a form of grey rot! Botrytis Cinerea is a form of rot that coats grapes, gently piercing the skin and allowing water to evaporate. The grapes become raisin-like and have to be picked laboriously by hand to separate them from ‘healthy’ grapes. Unique conditions are needed - the vineyard must be misty in the mornings and bright and sunny in the afternoons. Many of the world’s most famous dessert wines are made this way - Sauternes and Tokaji for example.Dave Anning +44 (0) 1566 783

History Tuesday 4th October Take a step back into the Jacobean and Victorian era and explore the fascinating history of the Manor with proprietor Sue Murray. 10.30am: Arrival with Tea / Coffee Biscuits £35.00 per person

A quick guide to sweet wines and sweetness in wine

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222 WEB: WWW LEWTRENCHARD CO UK

FOOD & DRINK

Method 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

5. Meanwhile, put the quark, chicken stock, mustard powder and a little seasoning into a large bowl. Mix really well to give a thick sauce.

4. Add the chicken, bacon and mushrooms and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.

6. Add the sauce to the chicken mixture, stir really well and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve with a third of a plate of the roasted veg.

49Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk B e a r s l a k e I n n b e a r s l a k e i n n c o m | 0 1 8 3 7 8 6 1 3 3 4Open Wed to Sun f o o d 1 2 2 : 3 0 | 5 : 3 0 8 DINE | STAY | RELAX Sourton, nr Okehampton EX20 4HQ Locals get a 10% discount if you bring this advert into the pub t&cs apply FOOD & DRINKSlimming World’s Chicken Supreme This comforting chicken supreme is packed with tender chunks of chicken and bacon – an easy chicken recipe that’s supremely satisfying. Serves 2 Time: 35 Ingredientsminutes Bunch of asparagus, woody ends snapped off 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped Low-calorie cooking spray 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 tsp garlic granules 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, thickly sliced 4 back bacon rashers, visible fat removed, roughly chopped 300g button mushrooms, cut in half 100g plain quark 100ml chicken stock 1 tsp mustard powder 1 tsp dried parsley

2. Put the asparagus and peppers in a non-stick roasting tin. Spray with low-calorie cooking spray and roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.

3. Meanwhile, spray a medium non-stick frying plan with lowcalorie cooking spray and place over a low-medium heat. Add the onion and garlic granules and stir-fry for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.

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This is certainly true when looking through these wonderful, historic photographs of the White Hart Hotel, which have been supplied to Oke Links by the Museum of Dartmoor Life. As a previous employee of The White Hart Hotel in Okehampton I have been briefly informed of the building’s historyand its many ghost stories! Keen to find out more, I approached the Museum of Dartmoor Life who came up trumps for us - and I think you will agree these pictures are Paulremarkable.Hambling from the museum said that there was ‘surprisingly little’ on the history of the White Hart, considering it’s been around since at least the 17th century. Its present appearance is early 19th century, complete with Georgian upper assembly room, but Buildings of England (1989) notes that its core is a late 17th century house of five bays. A survey of 1756 described it as ‘a large house or inn known by the name of the White Hart with two Yards, Stables and other Backbuildings with a large Garden Orchard and Back Lane, and a piece of ground behind’. About the end of the 18th century it was acquired by the Savile family, and in 1844 appeared in a sale catalogue of part of the Oaklands estate which called it ‘the great and principal Inn of the town’. Besides accommodating travellers, and acting as post inn after the mail coach between Exeter and Falmouth started running in 1787, it was evidently at the centre of Okehampton society, hosting every important function; yet there’s little to tell about it except minor anecdotes.

For example Mr Charles Green, the eminently respectable Congregationalist mayor, arriving late at a banquet celebrating the Golden Jubilee of 1887, in his character as magistrate granted an on-the-spot extension of drinking hours, only to find himself explaining this at midnight to some sceptical policemen. The press fell on the story with glee, and somebody asked a Question in Parliament. I am not sure if you would agree, but I personally believe that history can come alive by simply observing pictures and analysing its many details.

“ Besides

betweenposttravellers,accommodatingandactingasinnafterthemailcoachExeterandFalmouthstartedrunningin1787,itwasevidentlyatthecentreofOkehamptonsociety ” House staff and carriages circa 1900 A picture paints a thousand words... Lindsay Turpin HISTORY

51Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk It’s about your lifestyle, not just your money... 2plan wealth management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It is entered on the FCA register (www.fca.org.uk ) under reference 461598. Registered office: 2plan wealth management Ltd, 3rd Floor, Bridgewater Place, Water Lane, Leeds, LS11 5BZ. Registered in England Number: 05998270 Ethical & ESG Investment Specialist • Pensions & Retirement Planning Savings & Investments • Protection • Long Term Care NHS Pensions • Equity Release • Mortgages Andrew Hawkins of 2plan wealth management Ltd Your Local Independent Financial Adviser Call or email for a free initial no-obligation consultation 0345 512 www.andrewhawkins.2plan.comAndrew.Hawkins@2plan.com0271 GOOSE FAIR PANNIER MARKET Find us on facebook Visit www.tavistock.gov.uk F GOOSE FAIR PANNIER MARKET Find us on facebook Visit www.tavistock.gov.uk F GOOSE FAIR PANNIER MARKET Find us on facebook Visit www.tavistock.gov.uk F GOOSE FAIR PANNIER Find us on facebook Visit www.tavistock.gov.uk F GOOSE FAIR PANNIER MARKET Find us on facebook Visit www.tavistock.gov.uk F GOOSE FAIR PANNIER Find us on facebook Visit www.tavistock.gov.uk F GOOSE FAIR PANNIER MARKET Find us on facebook Visit www.tavistock.gov.uk F IS BACK! Join us on Wednesday 12th October as we welcome back Tavistock’s longstanding family fun day out Free Entry • Open 9am until late Park and Ride Service • Funfair for all ages! Traditional Cattle Market Craft beers, ciders, local distillers & much more A vibrant variety of local and national exhibitors Delicious street food to tantalise your taste-buds TAVISTOCK GUILDHALL HERITAGE CENTRE SINDEPENDENTHOPS&CAFES PANNIER PANNIER BUTCHERS’MARKETHALLARTISANMARKET

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Belstone & Fatherford Circuit EMERGENCY SERVICE BY THE VETS YOU KNOW • 3 Vets • 24hrs • 365 Days of the Year - covering companion animal, farm and equine species northparkvets.co.uk • equusvets.co.uk Okehampton 01837 658777 • North Tawton 01837 82327 • Hatherleigh 01837 810455 Equus Vets (equine vets) 01837 214004 We are an independent practice. We strive to give excellent care for your animals and yourselves. Our practice covers all species, which gives the strength of multi-discipline knowledge and invidual expertise within the team.

This walk combines some of Dartmoor’s best features – a river valley, woodland, open moor and great views. It follows part of the Archangel’s Way, a pilgrimage route around the north of the moor from Brentor to Chagford. From the car park, follow the road towards the centre of Belstone village. It dates back to the Doomsday Book and is one of the highest villages in Devon at 1,000 feet above sea level. Pass the old stocks and the pound which once housed stray livestock. The green to your left also hosts the highly recommended Old School Tea Room. Continue up the road past the old telegraph office, then turn right along a lane just before the road starts to climb steeply up towards Belstone Tor. Follow the lane for 1/2 mile, cross a cattle grid then turn almost immediately left over a stile into a field. Follow the signed footpath diagonally across the first field, then track right down the right hand hedge of the second field. There are fantastic views ahead from Bude to the West and Exmoor to the North. Keep straight ahead downhill over 2 stiles, and at the bottom of the hill cross a clapper bridge over a stream. After 50m go through a gate to join the lane. Turn left, follow it under the main road and then the railway bridge, and soon take a left turn into Fatherford. Here you’ll pass a small parking area on your right which is an alternative starting point for the walk. Go through a gate straight ahead, then bear left under the impressive railway viaduct. Turn right to cross Charlotte’s bridge over the East Okemont river before turning immediately left through a gate to go back under the road bridge. After a few metres take the signed footpath on your right heading steeply uphill - it briefly runs alongside the main road as you climb. Ignore a footpath to your left, go through gate and turn sharp left up a path uphill, now heading away from the main road. Keep climbing on this welldefined path in a westerly direction, ignoring turnings to left and right. If you want to stop for a rest there are lovely views behind you across to Exmoor.

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As you near the top of the hill, aim for a set of small trees growing out of the hedge, and turn right here following the hedge line across the top of Okehampton Common to a lane. Turn left here, heading towards Lower Halstock farm. Just before a small bridge take a signed footpath to the left through a small field, and head down into a wooded valley over two stiles. Cross the stream over the stepping stones which soon appears to your right, closely followed by (thankfully the last!) stile. Climb 20m up hill then bear left onto a prominent track heading east back towards Belstone. Head straight through the field, then go through a gate into a wood. The path then narrows and soon starts dropping towards the East Okemont river. A riverside path then joins your track from the left, where you need to bear right towards the footbridge (signed for the Dartmoor Way). Cross the bridge to a clearing which makes an excellent picnic or swimming spot. Then head briefly away from the river, take a path to the left which initially follows the river downstream but soon bears away from it going diagonally up hill. As you climb, there are great views again to the left and of Tor Down straight ahead. Cross a prominent track and keep going uphill briefly, before bearing right towards a gate in the stone wall. This is a signed bridleway which brings you back out on the lane via two small fields and then a farm track. Turn right here and follow the same lane back into Belstone, where the Tors pub (with amazing burgers) and the Old School Tea Room provide a refreshment dilemma for you!

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Home Improvements begin? In 2009. Having worked for a national, then a local company, I realised there was a niche in the market, which was to provide the type of quality products that the national companies supplied, but on a local basis. A big step forward for us was in 2012 when we became an Ultraframe Approved Installer – Ultraframe being the number 1 conservatory and solid roof provider in the UK, supplying 80% of the domestic market. When we became a member of the scheme we found out we were the only accredited company in Devon and Cornwall. We are also Which TrustedfromTraders.

TRADE SECRETS

We are based out of the Tamar View Garden Centre in Saltash, where we have been since the beginning in 2009. At the base there are many examples of our work. Do you specialise in anyparticular type of project? As we are the Ultraframe we get enquiries but we also install a lot of windows and doors in various shapes, sizes and materials. All of our fitters, builders, and plasterers are employed to the company, they are all very methodical, they do a great job and our clients really like them.

Ryan Barrett

How would you sum up yourcompany?

How and when did Realistic

www.realistic.uk.com

Where are you based?

We are a family run business. I may have started the business but my wife Jennifer works with me daily. My daughter Jasmine also came to work with us last year and she is currently learning her trade by helping people obtain window and door quotations. We appreciate our clients, our staff and are continually looking to improve, whether that be with products, fitting techniques or customer service requirements. With us, you will get honest expert advice, we are here to help and are open to anyone contacting us for a chat, at anytime

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Windows , Doors & Conservatories Quality Products – Always Great Prices Exciting local familyrun business supplying quality products and installations to homes in Devon for over 10 years Windows ■ Doors ■ Conservatories ■ Orangeries ■ WarmROOF ■ PVCu ■ Aluminium ■ Timber ■ Composite Call today for your free no-obligation quote: 01752 www.realistic.uk.com841008 ✓ Highly recommended ✓ Friendly customer experience ✓ Building works undertaken BEST PRICE PROMISE SAFE GUARANTEEEFFICIENTSECURE&SUPER10YEARSGREATSERVICE Realistic ImprovementsHome

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56 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk 07515 275354 01837 658505 Render PressureSoftwashWashing We clean... Windows - interior & exterior Soffits & Gutters Ask about... www.bondswindowcleaning.co.uk • ! Supply & installation of Wood, Gas & Electric Stoves and fires throughout Devon and Cornwall 01288 381852 MN www.cblstoves.co.ukcarl@cblstoves.co.uk The Showroom • Unit 5 Red Post • Bude EX23 9NW &INSTALLATIONSWOODBURNERCHIMNEYSWEEP Call: 01837 54841/07917 605704 Email: FireplaceFlexibleChimneyWoodburnerwww.jkwoodburners.co.ukjim@jkwoodburners.co.ukService&RepairRe-liningLiner&TwinwallRigidSystemsDesign&Install ServicesLinksLocal Get the job done ! To advertise your business call: 07450 161929 / 07772 619808 or email: linksmagazines.co.ukadvertising@ We also supply rainwater harvesting and water treatment systems... DO YOU HAVE A SEPTIC TANK? GWT are specialists in waste systems We can install, maintain, replace or upgrade your system Call 01237 879111 for great service sales@gwt.eu.com • www.gwtlimited.co.uk Full project management service available including: • Planning consent and building regulations • Advice on current regulations and changes to consider • System selection options and pricing • E uent treatment plants • Power via solar systems • Full BS Standard certi cation WE SomersetDevon,COVER:Cornwall,&Dorset 01837 352356/07725 info@coyshelectrical.co.uk942494 www.coyshelectrical.co.ukFindUsOn c Electrical Services & Home Improvements Also: Wall & Floor Tiling, Kitchen & Bathroom Installation & Alterations - including Wet Rooms Domestic & Commercial Electrical Installation & Maintenance Electrical Condition Reports - for rentals, purchases & insurance Central Heating Wiring & Fault Finding Electrical & Water Underfloor Heating Fault finding & PAT Testing

57Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk Unit 6 Westbridge Ind Est Tavistock PL19 8DG 01822 www.tricounty.co.uktricounty@btconnect.com613777 CASH & CARRY OR HOME DELIVERY OPEN: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm SOLID FUEL & BOTTLED GAS SPECIALISTS STOCK UP NOW ON KILN DRIED LOGSDEVONSERVINGFOR 34 YEARS EST 1988 COMPUTERSALEX Home & Business Bespoke Computers REPAIRS • UPGRADES • MAINTENANCE SALES • PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE 01837 55100 COMPUTERalex.wil300@gmail.comCENTRE-OPEN6DAYSAWEEK Dave Baskerville GENERAL BUILDER Local client recommendations available at your request General Building • Extensions • Period Property Renovations Conversions • Plastering • Carpentry • Landscaping & more... 30YearsExperience Control systems pumps • Filtration Private Water www.aquatechwaterservices.co.ukEngineers Moorlands House, North Road, Okehampton EX20 1BQ www.moorlandfuels.co.uk Local Reliable Service Call Us Today 01837 55700•Heating Oil • Tractor Diesel • Oil Tank Cleaning • Lubricants • Coal • Oil Tank Replacement & Installation extendLeadtimesinwinter… orderwhenyouhave¼tankleft House also...PaintingMaintenance&DecoratingCarpentryHouseholdRepairsFurnitureRepair&Polishing&Polishing simon109wright@googlemail.com8917101837/79591407866THEHANDYMANOKEHAMPTON - Simon WrightQuality Oven Cleaning for Devon & Cornwall available 7 days a week Contact Ian on Tel: 01409 478648 / 07591 036096 Email:www.cookitclean.co.ukian@cookitclean.co.uk COOK IT CLEAN Quality Oven Cleaning for Devon & Cornwall CookItClean B'Cards.indd 1 09/11/2018 11:32 available 7 days a week Contact Ian on 01409 478648 / 07591 036096 Email:Seniorwww.cookitclean.co.ukian@cookitclean.co.ukCitizensDiscount Quality Oven Cleaning for Devon & Cornwall available 7 days a week Contact Ian on Tel: 01409 478648 / 07591 036096 Email:www.cookitclean.co.ukian@cookitclean.co.uk COOK IT CLEAN Quality Oven Cleaning for Devon & Cornwall B'Cards.indd 1 09/11/2018 11:32 OKE LINKS Promote your business in Call the team on 07450 161929 and reach over 10,000 homes and businesses... from just £7.50 per week!

Accountants MBC Accountants 16 Acupuncturists The Wellspring 27 Aquatic Retailers Reef Passion 47 Arts, Galleries & Museums Wildwood Arts 40 Bathroom & Tile Retailers Tavistock Bathrooms & Tiles 60 Building, Construction & Maintenance Dave Baskerville Builders 57 Okehampton Handyman 57 Business Services Everything Okehampton 25 Tavistock BID 38 Care Services & Care Homes Bluebird Care West Devon 32 Devon & Cornwall Care Services 30 Friendly Faces UK 30 Lakeside Residential Home 9 NEDCare 27 Cleaning & Domestic Services Clean Direct 10 Cook IT CLean 57 Outer Clean 55 Clothing Retailers Donalds Menswear 15 Computers & Laptops Alex Computers Ltd 57 Days Out, Events & Attractions Butchers Hall 38 Dingles Fairground & Heritage Centre 46 Red House Mysteries 14 Tavistock Goose Fair 51 Tavistock Pannier Market 34 Dentists Rock Dental Practice 31 Electricians Coysh Electrical Services 56 Environmental Engineers Landmarc 12 Estate Agents, Lettings & Property Godfrey Short & Squire 59 Stevens Estate Agents 3 Westcountry Homes Online 2 Financial Advisors 2plan wealth management Ltd 51 Fuel Suppliers Moorland Fuels 57 Tricounty Ltd 57 Funeral Directors Albery & Redstone Funeral Directors 21 Garage Door Sales & Service Alliance Garage Doors 24 Garolla Holdings Limited 53 Garden Centres Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre 35 Stone Lane Gardens 37 Endsleigh Gardens Nursery 37 Garden Machinery Retail & Services DH Services 36 Garden Services DH Grounds Maintrnance 37 Dartmoor Pond Services 36 Hedge to Hedge Garden Services 36 J A Francis Stone Walling & Patios 36 Men for All Seasons 36 Health, Beauty & Nutrition Sam Hargreaves Acupuncture 30 The Ness Care Centre, 33 Therapies West Devon 30 Wellmoor 44 Hearing & Mobility Alistair Kinsey Hearing & Mobility 28 Holidays & Holiday Lets Helpful Holidays 43 Toad Hall Cottages 11 Home Furnishings Fabric and Furniture 41 Home Improvements & Interiors Jo Downs Glass Design Ltd 7 Posh Paint 41 Realistic Home Improvements 54 Shields Buildings 18 Hotels, Inns & Clubs Bearslake Inn 49 Lewtrenchard Manor 48 Kitchen Retailers & Fitters Howdens Okehampton 20 Music Tuition Clare White Piano, Keyboard & Music Theory Teacher 40 Opticians Atlantic Home Eyecare 28 Pets & Animal Services Linsey Pet & House Sitting 16 Lisa Hall Animal Therapy 39 Plumbing & Heating Services Chamings Heating and Plumbing 19 DB Heating 4 Podiatrists Whiteley Podiatry 27 Private Water Engineers AquaTech Water Services 57 GWT Ltd 56 Residential Parks Berkeley Parks 24 Restaurants, Cafés & Takeaways Graylings Fish and Chips 42 Schools, Colleges & Educators Exeter Cathedral School 23 Shoemakers Bracken And Sole 8 Solicitors Charlesworth Nicholl & Co 14 Sports Therapists The Sports Therapy & Massage Clinic 30 Travel Agents Holsworthy Travel 13 Tree Surgeons Adam of Eden Tree Care 36 Oak Valley Tree Services Ltd 37 Venue Hire Bridestowe Village Hall 13 Veterinary Practices North Park Vets 52 Okeford Veterinary Centre 39 Weight Loss/Slimming Clubs Slimming World 30 Window Cleaners Bonds Window Cleaning 56 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Okehampton Glass 45 Woodburners, Stoves & Heating CBL Stoves 56 J K Woodburners 56 DIRECTORY SUBINESS&LOCALBUYCOMMUNITYSAVEJOBS Here’s what our customers and readers say... “We have been working with the Links magazine team now for many years and have always received top levels of service. They are a great bunch of people and the publication is a great way to fi nd businesses and see what’s going on your area” Why advertise your business in OKE LINKS? LOCAL MAGAZINES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE BY LOCAL PEOPLE 97% of our readers use the magazines to fi nd businesses Reader Survey Source: Links Magazines Readership Survey Sample September/October 2020 99% of our readers fi nd the advertisements useful 99% of our readers say that Links Magazines are helpful to them 85% of our readers rate the quality of the Links Magazine as Good/Excellent 81% of our readers keep their copy of the magazine for more than one month!Simon Gibbons, Westcountry Homes Online

In every issue of Oke Links we promote local businesses, conversely, these businesses support and enable us to continue writing and publishing your local community magazine. If you are looking for a great local business then please choose from the list below. Next to each business is the page number on which they appear in this issue, please go and look at their advert and, if you call them, mention that you found them in Oke Links. by the Royal Mail to more than 32,000 homes and businesses in West Devon, Dartmoor and North Plymouth. To make sure your business is featured in the next issue of Oke Links magazine, call us today on 07450 161 929 or tim.randell@linksmagazines.co.ukemail

58 To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

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Tavistock Bathrooms & Tiles 01822Unitwww.tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk8PlymouthRoadIndustrialEstate,TavistockPL199QN618619info@tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk