Autumn 2007

New Landlord for Royal Oak Inn

Stephen & Julie Earp

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves as your new tenants for the Royal Oak Inn in Meavy. Having moved to Devon nearly four years ago, we have now put down firm roots here and wish to make this area our permanent home. Stephen has extensive experience, spanning some fourteen years within the licence trade and we are currently running a successful traditional pub/restaurant in Dorset.

We have three children; Matthew, who is 12 years old and starting senior school; Rebecca, who is 10 years old and in her final year of junior school; and Imogen-Faye who is just 1 year old! We look forward to becoming active members of the community in Meavy and the surrounding area.

We believe we can build upon the strengths of the Royal Oak and look forward to continuing Leanne and Matthew’s good work, offering freshly prepared, quality home-cooked food, using locally sourced Devon produce. We extend our heartiest thanks to Leanne and Matthew and wish them both every success in their new endeavours. Change over day is on the 4th of October and we will have our new menu up and running by Friday 5th October. We look forward to meeting both old and new customers, so please feel free to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat, or to buy a pint of our Royal Oak Ale.

For more details see Royal Oak Inn

Editorial

Jenny Sharp

Wow – what a lot goes on in our Parish over the summer months! This bumper issue has all the details of the fairs and fun-days, the shows and exhibitions. While we have not been blessed with the weather this summer, the events have gone on, have all been well attended and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. In the words of Michael D’Oyly and echoed by myself and all others who organise such events it ‘is not done by magic’. The planning and organisation from small committees and dedicated individuals that goes into these gems of village life are rarely seen by those that attend – I guess that is a sign of the good organisation! Without these people we would lose our village traditions – so lets not let that happen – get involved!

Talking of volunteers, many thanks to the new distributors who I have persuaded that a walk around their village is a good thing to do four times a year! If there is any one who would like to help distribute the Beacon in their area please talk to me – a lot of people doing a little bit is always better than a few people doing a lot!

As well as looking back, this issue contains details of events to come, ranging from Quiz Nights, Bird Talks and Jumble Sales through to Jazz Evenings and Christmas parties. Please continue to send me details of forthcoming events to go in the dates for your diary page – this can be up to 9 months in advance, I will then chase you for further details to go in the edition prior to the event.

Letters to the editor and responses to published letters are always welcome – if you have something to get of your chest then share it with the whole parish instead of grumbling about it down the pub or over the garden fence. Please always include your name and address with any letters, they may be withheld from publication if you wish. The deadline for the next issue is 15th November, details are below.

Clerk’s Report

Lucie A Luke

The tenancy of the Royal Oak Inn has been successfully offered to a Devon couple, Stephen & Julie Earp, who will take over from Matthew Smith & Leanne Wills on the 4th October. The council would like to thank Matt and Leanne for all their hard work over the last two years which has greatly improved the Royal Oak and we wish them success and happiness for their future.

The Parish Council have recently reiterated its opposition to a proposed development for social housing in Walkhampton. The application is due before the Dartmoor National Park Authority shortly for determination and we wait anxiously, like many local residents, for the outcome.

The Parish Council has also recently objected to the inclusion of Meavy, Dousland and Walkhampton as selected rural settlements in the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Core Strategy submission version. We have been hugely disappointed with this submission, as we had been advised that another category would be devised for our small villages, especially Meavy & Walkhampton that already lack a shop/post office and have poor local transport. Again, we wait anxiously for the outcome of our representations. Dartmoor National Park Authority have confirmed the Conservation status for Meavy. The appraisal is going through a design process and we look forward to learning more in the near future about how this status will affect the village.

There are still a couple of vacancies on the Parish Council, if anyone over the age of 18 is interested in joining – please do contact me or our Chairman, Chas Symes for an informal chat.

Meavy Oak Fair 2007

Jenny Sharp – Chair of Oak Fair Committee

Once again Meavy Oak Fair in June proved to be a great success – despite the weather which was a herald of what was to come this summer! A heavy shower, which left Dousland, Yelverton, Clearbrook dry, soaked Meavy at 1pm but at least by then we were all set up and ready to go! It passed and the fair opened as usual with the bells of St Peter’s marking the start of a great afternoon. The Meavy school pageant was based on the theme of Health and Fitness and all the children performed different gymnastic, skipping and dancing routines including the traditional maypole dancing.

Over 100 runners took part in the 11th Burrator Horseshoe, a scenic, challenging moorland run, starting and finishing at the Green. This year the race was sponsored once again by The Royal Oak Inn and Callisham Farm. Results of the race can be found on this  website: see Race Results. As always there was plenty for visitors to do and see including the traditional games such as the coconut shy, hoopla and the skittle alley (with our wonderful new skittles made for us by Martin Hurle). Meavy Friendship Group again ran a very popular cake stall and the produce stall run by St Peter’s Church had plenty of jams, chutneys and garden produce.

The refreshments were this year provided by the ladies of Meavy and Sheepstor WI and did good business with the cream teas. When the rain came in at 5pm and people started to leave I thought “What on earth am I going to do with all the left over burgers and sausages – there will be no one left to eat them?” So when a hot and exhausted Tony came up to me and said they had been flat out all afternoon and sold out I knew that we had had a good day! The plant stall as always had high quality plants which were kindly donated by Champernowne Nursery at Buckland. The ever popular Mr Showers kept the children entertained during the afternoon and for the adults, Brian and Paul kept the music going well into the night!

The small committee spends 9 months from September to June organising the Fair but on the day it is all the volunteers from groups and organisations and local people who man the stalls and attractions. This year there were many such helpers – a big thank you to you all– it was much appreciated. Thanks also to Yelverton Guides who ran some of the games as did the Explorer Scouts who stepped in at the last minute to help out. Also thanks go to those who helped out on the Friday in the setting up and on the Sunday morning in taking it all down again. All our raffle prizes are donated by local businesses or companies with which locals have links and so we have some great prizes for which we are extremely grateful.

It was a wonderful day all round and we made a great profit for the third year running. This meant that we have £2100 which as usual is distributed to local organisations. Our ‘sharing out’ meeting is after the copy deadline for this issue of the Beacon but I will let you know the recipients in the next edition.

If you have your 2008 calendar then please mark on the third Saturday in June: Saturday 21st June – Oak Fair 2008. If you would like to be on the organising committee you are very welcome, we meet every couple of months from September to April and then a little more regularly until the big day in June. The meetings are not formal – brainstorming ideas and allocating tasks. If the idea of the committee is too much we would welcome any suggestions about how we can improve or change Oak Fair - please get in touch with me (853652 or jsharp@plymouth.ac.uk)

Walkhampton Art and Crafts Show 2007

Michael D’Oyly – Show Organiser

For one household at least, the Walkhampton Art and Crafts Show marks the end of summer. It is the culmination of many months preparation and a week of non-stop activity. The Memorial Hall is transformed from an empty venue to an Aladdin’s Cave of pictures and craft stalls. This year, although slower than in previous years, will, it is hoped, make about £1,000 for the Hall and the Pantry and several hundred pounds towards the Church Restoration Fund

The idea of an Art and Craft Show was started thirty four years ago by the then Churchwarden of St. Mary the Virgin, Mr. Oldham. He organised the first shows which were held in the Church or Lady Modyford’s School, the proceeds going to the Church. In 1984 the venue became the Memorial Hall and with several changes of organisers the Show has evolved to its present format. The proceeds are now held by a small committee in a fund which is used for improvements to the Hall. This money, in conjunction with grants, has enabled the Hall, over the years, to be upgraded with double glazing, a new kitchen, disabled toilet and better furnishings to mention but a few. Hiring charges can never cover major projects of this sort.

The Show exhibitors range from nationally known artists to the truly amateur ones. Some have exhibited for many years and some for the first time – all are welcome. Obviously many pictures do not sell but many of the artists are happy to have exhibited. The Pantry which serves refreshments is now being run on behalf of the Church. It would be impossible to name all the many people who give up so much of their time to make the Show happen. Suffice to say that the paperwork, advertising, setting up and taking down, four days of stewarding, meeting and greeting, cashing up and paying out, the catering and all the rest is not done by magic but by generous people who care about village life and the wellbeing of the village Hall; come to think of it – the magic of Good Fairies!

Meavy Garden Society Summer Show

Martin Burt – Meavy Garden Society

The members provided a superb selection of high quality produce for the summer flower show on 11th August once again, despite the wet weather and local hailstorm in July. More than one hundred and twenty visitors enjoyed exhibits of flowering shrubs, gladioli, flower arrangements, and vegetables. Considerable interest was generated by the flowers of Eucryphia which are often over before the show date; this evergreen multi-stemmed tree can reach a height of thirty feet and forms a spectacular pillar of white. The new class for three types of herbs growing in a container proved popular with seven excellent entries. Most welcome were entries from new members and children.

The complex task of collating the votes of the visitors, who select their personal choice for each class, went well with the able help of “young Tim” and his trusty laptop computer. The guest of honour, Raymond Jukes, a long serving member and strong contender for the vegetable classes for many years, was pleased to have all the trophies in his hands, even if only for a short while, as he graciously presented them to the winner of each class, including one to himself. In memory of a past President, The Gordon Cross Trophy is awarded by a points system for the most highly placed exhibits. This year the results were very close with only one point separating the joint seconds from the joint thirds and one more from the overall winner, Brenda Burt.

Closing the entertaining afternoon, Society Chairman Douglas Henderson, expressed a long list of “thank you’s” including; Society President Cyril Sparey for running the sale of plants, and providing many of them; Show Secretary Brenda Burt who ensured everything ran smoothly; Doris Potter for the successful raffle; Joyce Williams and her team for providing the tea and homemade cakes; and all the helpers who had turned to on Friday evening to build the staging and prepare the hall.

Our next few meetings are:
      Oct 15th Cotehele at Christmas David Bouch – Head Gardener
      Nov 19th Gardener’s Quiz Tim Ellis – Ellis Nursery

Meetings are held in Meavy Parish Hall at 7:30pm. New members are always welcome, £5 for a couple, £3 single. For details call 01822 853255.

Walkhampton Show

Mike Dobson – Show Secretary

This years show was really great - not only was the weather absolutely fantastic but we had the highest number of entries for four years and this despite the general expressions of gloom because of the very indifferent weather earlier in the year. Much to our surprise we had increased entries in the vegetable and flower classes as well as in flower arranging and home brewing.

Competition was fierce and the judges were very impressed with the standard of entries. Malcolm McMahon was the principal winner in the vegetable classes, closely followed by George Eggins, with the prestigious Top Tray award being taken by a new exhibitor - Rachel Waldron. Flower cup winners included Wendy Swinburne, Ruth Puddick-Reid, George Eggins and Drinda Mcdonald from Sheepstor.

The overall cookery cup winner was Angela Dawe. who also won the Pasty cup just ahead of Mike Dobson and Rob AlIen (previous winners). A new cup for this year - The Mary Geen Trophy, for the best Cookery exhibit was won by Chrissy Brannagan with a splendid fruit pie. The men's cookery class was won by Mike Goddard with Nick Shutt in a close second place.

Although children’s entries were slightly down this year, competition was still keen. Cup winners were Rebecca Bloomer and Billy Kingdon sharing the junior cookery cup, with both of them also winning individual cups - Billy with the Jim Knight Cup for the most points in classes 102 to 105 and Rebecca winning the Govier Trophy for the highest number of points in Group E classes. Other winners in the children’s classes were - Nathaniel Rookes, Tommy Buckingham, Sophie Anderson, Henry Kingdon and Freya Semken.

The Tea tent was flat out all afternoon and the supporting stalls for the Children’s Hospice and the Walkhampton Play Park also did well. The cups were presented by one of the Cottage Garden Societies patrons - Mr. George Eggins supported by one of our sponsors Mrs. Ann Garcia. Of particular delight to us was the first entry from a Meavy resident for over 20 years. Hopefully it will be the start of many more.

The Show is open to entries from Walkhampton, Sampford Spiney, Meavy, Sheepstor, Horrabridge and Buckland Monachorum parishes and the Committee look forward to seeing you next year. New members of the Society are always very welcome. Membership costs just £2. 50 per person per year. Beside helping to keep the only major village show in the area alive, there are large discounts on seed purchases, up to 40% with 10% discount on plants. If you are in interested in joining us, please contact either Mary Geen on 855887 or me on 852937.

Walkhampton Village Fun Day

Pam Kitchin – Walkhampton Play Park

Sunday 9th September saw a good crowd turning out in fine weather for the Walkhampton Village Fun Day. This year there were many more stalls and lots of entertainment for the children with Cosmo the magician, a mini wheel and lots of bouncy things. The Tavistock Young Farmers came along with their Panto Horse Racing again and their antics kept us in stitches. Refreshments in the Village Hall were provided by Linda Landick and her ladies, while Joan and Mike turned out a constant supply of delicious burgers and hot dogs, courtesy of Bidders and the Yelverton Co-op. The beer tent was provided by the Leaping Salmon of Horrabridge.

This year the family dog show was bigger than ever with a huge number of entries. Our thanks goes to Sue Walsh for organising it and to Nelson Bowden for Judging. The Jo Barrell cup was won by Emma who belongs to Kay Ball of Horrabridge, the Best Condition cup was won by Tami who belongs to Michelle Brusey of Postbridge and the Best Puppy cup was won by Bailey belonging to Ian Rawlinson of Horrabridge.

Many thanks to all the helpers on the day and local businesses for their support with raffle and tombola prizes. A substantial amount of money was raised for the maintenance and improvement of the children’s play park.

Burrator Parish Twinning Association

Ann Ellis

It has been a relatively quiet year for the Twinning Association. Various issues, including major elections on both sides of the Channel and other commitments, meant that the planned visit from group members in Mathieu was cancelled. However, the visit has now been rescheduled for October and an encouraging number will be staying as guests in our locality.

The committee have two major tasks ahead of them: The first is to encourage an active participation in the Twinning Association. It may interest you to know that everyone who lives in the Group Parish of Burrator are automatically members. Activities include acting as hosts to French visitors, attending functions during the visit or indeed helping with fund raising.

This leads to the second task; fund raising, a necessary, but not always easy process. We have been grateful to the Council for their support in the way of grants in the past, but we also need to raise money ourselves, so that we can make the stay for our French visitors an enjoyable experience. Anyone who has visited Mathieu will know that the hospitality of the people is overwhelming and a hard act to follow.

October 25th – 28th will see the French party visit to Burrator Parish, with October 26th being an outing to Dartmouth and October 27th seeing the Twinning meal at the Peter Tavy Inn. Next year in May 2008 we have our visit to Mathieu.

Anyone interested in being involved in Twinning, please should contact: the Chair, K. Batson, on 855030 or the secretary J. Knight on 854912. We are also looking for new subscribers in the Twinning Lottery, a useful way of raising funds, please contact Ann Ellis on 854383.

Exploring around Burrator

Paul Rendell

Burrator Reservoir attracts thousands of visitors every year. It was built just over 100 years ago as a water supply for Plymouth. Yet the history of the area goes back to the Bronze Age, when ‘round houses’ were built as dwellings. Later on ‘longhouses’ were built, where animals and humans lived under the same roof. As the farms became larger small communities grew up around them. In the 19th century these rural communities provided the farmers with most of their daily needs; the nearest villages were Sheepstor, Meavy and Walkhampton. Tavistock, was the nearest market town, while Plymouth was very rarely visited. Today the farms are no longer there.

A new book was published by the Dartmoor Company earlier this year called Exploring around Burrator, a Dartmoor Reservoir. The information within this book has been gathered from many sources both documentary and oral, and is the result of about twenty years research. In these pages I have tried to explain some of the things to be found and the brief history of most of the farms within the area. The book concludes with a description of two suggested circular walks, passing many of the places mentioned in the text.

If you have memories or your family lived in one of the 22 dwellings that once stood within the catchments area I would love to hear you. Up dated information will be published in the Dartmoor News, a bi-monthy magazine. Copies of the book and the Dartmoor News are available from Dousland Post Office, Horrabridge Stores, Whitchurch Post Office, Tavistock Information Centre, Pillars, Owens Book Centre and Bookstop in Tavistock as well as DNPA information centres and from the author for £5.60 including postage. If you want a signed copy please state when you write. Paul Rendell, The Coach House, Tramlines, Okehampton, Devon. EX20 1EH. Email: paul.dartmoor@virgin.net

Splash Out at the Seaside

Bill Andrew - Walkham Valley Scouts

An exciting weekend camp in Cawsand Bay was greatly enjoyed by the Walkham Valley Cub & Scout Group in June. Packed with lots of activity, the cubs & scouts sailed in yachts, learnt basic kayaking skills and enjoyed beachcombing along the sandy beach at Whitsand Bay. The camp was masterminded by Malcolm Young (GSL) ably assisted by a team of willing parents whose inspired leadership ensured that every day was busy and challenging for the youngsters.

The assault course which stretches across the small harbour and other sports filled the evenings. A splendid gang show and bonfire rounded up the event with the children acting out on stage some of the highlights experienced over the weekend. Blessed with weather that was reasonably dry throughout, all participants returned home happy but exhausted.

Our very grateful thanks go to the Burrator Parish Council who for many years has generously supported the Groups activities with regular funding.

Walkhampton Forum

Janet Davey

Are you over 60? Have you ever thought about joining the Walkhampton Forum as we are looking for 20 new members? We meet on the first Monday of every month and during the course of the year we enjoy a variety of different activities such as our coach day-trips and entertaining and informative presentations from various speakers on topics as wide-ranging as the RNLI to 'Spam and Rabbit Pie' (how the home front ate during WW2!).

Why not come along to our pre-Christmas Bazaar on Monday November 5 at 2pm in Walkhampton Memorial Hall find out more about the Forum, enjoy a cup of tea and a friendly chat with the members and of course to pick up a bargain or two! And, if the Forum isn't for you, come along anyway because remember our Bazaar has plenty of bargains!

Meavy Friendship Group Christmas Parties

Val Smith – Chair of Meavy Friendship Group

Every year Meavy Friendship Group organise two parties for the youngest and eldest residents of Meavy Parish. Meavy Parish covers the village of Meavy, Lovaton, Hooe Meavy, Goodameavy and Dousland south of Boundary Road.

The Senior Citizens Lunch is held this year on Friday 30th November, invitations will be sent out by the end of October. We send out over 100 invitations and so some are bound to get lost in the post! If you have not received yours by the end of October please contact me, Val Smith on 855909 or Jenny Sharp on 853652. If you have moved into the Parish recently and are eligible (a senior citizen) or you know somebody who should be getting an invitation and they have not, again please let us know.

The Children’s party is for the children in the Parish or those who attend Meavy School who are aged between 3 years and up to and including year 2 in school. The party this year is on Saturday 1st December at 3:00pm. Invitations will be issued at the beginning of November through school or by post to those who do not attend the school. Any families who have got children who are eligible i.e. aged 3 + and live in the Parish but who do not attend Meavy School and those recently moved to the Parish should contact Jenny Sharp on 853652.

Our last two fundraising events of this year are the Jumble Sale on 20th October which will provide funding towards the Christmas parties and the Christmas Whist Drive on 3rd December, the profits of which will go towards a local charity. If you can help out at the Jumble Sale you are very welcome, we will be setting up from 10:00am in Meavy Parish Hall ready for the start at 1:00pm. We are also looking for prizes for the raffle at the Whist Drive, if you have anything which you are able to donate please get in touch.

Personal Thoughts from a Chair

Doug Allison - Planning Committee

Having taken over from Chas Symes as the Chairman of the Planning Committee for Burrator Parish Council, I would like to thank him for all his hard work on the Planning Committee in the past and personally thank all current members for what is sometimes an arduous task. This is also a good time to explain to you what I personally think about Planning. Although I am new to the Parish (only 4 years) and do not consider myself as a local, this does not mean I am not acutely aware that Planning and Building in the Parish has to be if not “THE MOST” at least “ONE” of the most emotive topics of concern to us all, as what may appear to be small changes to one can drastically alter the quality of life for others.

As I said in my “Meet Your Councillors” section back in the Autumn Burrator Beacon 2006, “Change is inevitably going to happen and it’s happening at an increasing rate”. We as a community need to truly understand what our Parish needs are now (the Parish as an entity does have needs) and where we want, and need, to be in the future to survive and flourish as a community.

The hardest part in Planning is to manage these constant changes in such a way as to make them as beneficial for the community in general as possible. However what is needed as a Parish and what we desire as individuals within the Parish is the biggest dichotomy any Planning Committee faces. The Housing Needs Survey filled in by many us earlier this year is an important part of this process, but only one step in helping the Parish Council in understanding and balancing these issues and needs, and will help us create a more gestalt approach to “Planning” for now and the future.

Whilst being Chairman of Planning I will endeavour to write an article each Quarter on what has been going on in the Planning Committee and hope it will at least spark discussions over a Tea/Coffee or even a Pint and may even spur people to take a more active role and become a Councillor.

This is now an ideal opportunity to make you aware that we still have vacant seats on the Parish Council. All councillors are there on a voluntary unpaid basis, so if you really care about all aspects of the Parish, then now is an ideal time to join “YOUR” Parish Council.

Walkhampton Football Club

Simon Stokes – Club Chairman

Firstly, all at Walkhampton Football Club would like to thank Chris Hamley The Saab Specialist from Yelverton for sponsoring the club. By the time of submission of the article, we have played 5 games in the league and are currently sitting 3rd in division 3 of the Sunday league.

We have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1, results and scorers were:

19th Aug: Walkhampton 3 - 3 Wembury. Scorers: Wickett, M. Gibbings, Aggiss. M.O.M: S. Gibbings. K.O.T.D: nobody

20th Aug: Thai Palace Titans 2 - 3 Walkhampton. Scorers: T. Sharland, Collacott, D. Gibbings. M.O.M: Collacott. K.O.T.D: P. Gibbings

26th Aug: Walkhampton 6 - 0 Devonport. Scorers: M. Gibbings (3) Wickett, T. Sharland, Shutt. M.O.M: M Gibbings. K.O.T.D: Wickett.

31st Aug: Vospers Oak Villa 3 - 2 Walkhampton. Scorers: M. Gibbings, Mullen. M.O.M: T. Sharland. K.O.T.D: Aggiss

2nd Sept: Cobra 0 - 2 Walkhampton. Scorers: S. Gibbings (2) M.O.M: S. Gibbings. K.O.T.D: P. Gibbings

We are away for the next 3 games but a board will be going up at the war memorial car park advertising our home fixtures. To follow our progress you can log onto www.pwdcfl.co.uk division 3 Sunday where you can find fixtures, form results and league position.

We have had a great start to the league and some superb home and away support. We would like to thank all who have supported us so far and look forward to your continued support. Our thanks also goes to Colin at the Walkhampton Inn for providing some great nosh after the games.

The Country Code

Following the letter to the Editor (see below) and others that have been received by the Parish Council, it is probably a good time to remind people of the Country Code relating to dogs and also to farmland. The following is a summery of the Code that appears on the government website: www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk where you may find further details and information.

Leave gates and property as you find them

Please respect the working life of the countryside, as our actions can affect people's livelihoods, our heritage, and the safety and welfare of animals and ourselves.

• A farmer will normally leave a gate closed to keep livestock in, but may sometimes leave it open so they can reach food and water. Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs. If walking in a group, make sure the last person knows how to leave the gates.
• In fields where crops are growing, follow the paths wherever possible.
• Use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries when provided - climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them and increase the risk of farm animals escaping.
• Farm animals and wild animals can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they're with their young - so give them plenty of space.
• Leave machinery and livestock alone - don't interfere with animals even if you think they're in distress. Try to alert the farmer instead.

Keep dogs under close control

The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s duty to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people.

• By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife. On most areas of open country and common land, known as 'access land' you must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and common land between 1 March and 31 July, and all year round near farm animals.
• You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.
• Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife – eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.
• Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and it can cause infections – so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Also make sure your dog is wormed regularly to protect it, other animals and people.
• At certain times, dogs may not be allowed on some areas of access land or may need to be kept on a lead. Please follow any signs.

Meavy Jazz Evening

Meavy Parish Hall are holding a Jazz evening on Tuesday 23rd October at 7:30pm in conjunction with Villages in Action. The Neil Maya Quartet will be playing an eclectic mix of high quality contemporary jazz.

Tickets are £5 and are available from Joyce Williams (855396), Graham Dimmock (859331) and at Dousland Post Office. There will be a bar and refreshments and all profits will go towards the Parish Hall

Meavy Pantomime

Graham Dimmock

Rehearsals are well underway for the Meavy pantomime which is to be Cinderella and will be performed on 10th, 11th and 12th January. If you have a burning desire to be in the pantomime, it is not too late – anyone is welcome to the Ball! We will soon be sorting out roles for the children so if there are any little ones who want to be mice or fairies please let me know.

As we are starting from scratch we will need costumes, props and scenery, again please get in touch if you can help in any way – whether as somebody who can help paint, make or sew or if you have a cupboard full of things that may be useful – now is the time to have a sort out.

Tickets will be on sale from early December – look out for posters and full details will be in next edition of the Beacon.

You can contact me by phone: 859331 or by email: graham@bluebellcottage.net

Letter to the Editor

I would be very grateful if you would publish this article in the next magazine. It is something I feel very strongly about. Yet again, as I either aim to walk or jog on our moor, my tranquillity and peace of mind is ruined by irresponsible dog owners. I hasten to add, that thankfully, these people are in the minority.

Why is it that these owners think that every one likes dogs, in particular, their dogs? There are a lot of people who don't feel comfortable around dogs, and find it extremely unpleasant and un-nerving to see a dog hurtling toward them and then leaping all over them, their owner making no attempt at all to control them and usually smiling with pleasure that their pet is going to greet you. When asked, 'Please could you call your dog?’ the usual replies are, 'It's only a puppy,' or 'It won't hurt you.' This is not an appropriate response and these owners need to be aware that it is their pet, and not every one wants to have it near to them, and that they should be in full control of it or have it on a lead.

One owner recently made no attempt what-so-ever to control her puppy, and when it was suggested it should be on a lead, she responded by saying, 'Oh no, not up here...., I'll tell you what you should do if a dog runs up to you…..' No! Dogs should not be allowed to run up to anyone!

These few irresponsible owners, usually women, must learn to take full responsibility for their pets. There are some fantastic dog owners - well in control of their dogs, and it is only this minority group of owners who spoil the pleasure of the moor for more people than they imagine.

Dousland Resident (name withheld)

Funeral Services

It is with regret that we record the passing of the following:

Richard Minchin (age 36 years) Service at St Peter’s, Meavy on 1st June

Kit Ingram (age 92 years) Service at St Peter’s, Meavy on 8th June

Margaret Bellard (age 60 years) Service at St Mary’s Walkhampton on 13th July

To have your event included in future issues please send details (date, time location, contact name and phone number) to the Editor as soon as you have decided on the date. This will ensure maximum publicity and avoid clashes with other events. The next issue will be distributed at the end of November so details of any Christmas fayres etc can be included.

Notices

Parish Council Meetings

Full Council Meetings are usually held on the last Thursday of the month (but not always!), the dates of the next few are:
    1st Nov    Meavy  7.30pm
    29th Nov    Walkhampton  7.30pm

Details of the sub committee meetings as well as the agenda for the Full Council meeting are posted on the black Parish Notice Boards which are situated throughout the parish: Meavy (Parish Hall) Sheepstor (outside the Church), Walkhampton (by the Pub), Hooe Meavy (on the right as you go up the hill from Clearbook to Meavy), Lovaton (by the phone box) and Dousland (one at the Burrator Road/Iron Mine Lane junction and another outside the post office).

Residents of the parish are welcome to attend the council meetings – you should check the notice board to see the location and times.

Remembrance Sunday
11th November 2007

There will be a service of Holy Communion on 11th November at 10am in St Peter’s Church followed by the observation of the two minute silence and laying of a wreath at the war memorial on Meavy Green. The Church Council welcomes any who would like to join this commemoration.

Meavy Parish Hall Quiz Night

Friday 2nd November 7:30pm
Bar and Refreshments available
£6 per team
Teams of 4 or come on night to make up a team
To reserve a table ring Val on 855909

Dartmoor Birds Talk at Sheepstor

Corinna Legassick – Sheepstor Village Hall

Sheepstor Village Hall are hosting an RSPB talk on Dartmoor Birds on Friday 19th October at 7 pm. A bring and share supper will be held after the talk. (please bring your own drinks) The entrance fee is fee of £2.50 and this will be divided between the RSPB and village hall funds. All are welcome but because of limited space in the Hall please reserve your seat by calling Corinna on 01822 852613.

Meavy Friendship Group

Jumble Sale

Meavy Parish Hall

Saturday 20th October 1pm

Cakes, Clothes, Bric–a–Brac, Books

Jumble to Hall before 12 on day or ring Val on 855909 to arrange collection

Meavy and Sheepstor WI

Forthcoming Meetings

Oct 16th Dartmoor Rescue Mr C Ridgers
Nov 20th Annual Meeting
Dec 11th Christmas Party

Meetings are held in Meavy Parish Hall at 2:30pm. New members are always welcome, for more information please contact Mrs Joyce Reith (Sec 854368)

Meavy Friendship Group

Christmas Whist Drive

Meavy Parish Hall

Monday 3rd December 7:30pm

Prizes and Raffle Tickets from Ken Eastel 854311

Village Halls

Please support our local village halls for your meetings, parties and activities All the halls have disabled access and they vary in size and facilities so one of them will suit your requirements. All the Halls are run by willing volunteers who strive to keep them in good repair providing vital facilities for our communities.

Booking details can be obtained from the following:

Advertisements

WRIGHT WINDOWS

Terry Wright Sharpitor Burrator Road Dousland Yelverton PL20 6NE Tel. 01822 852275

Windows, Doors and Conservatories in Quality UPVC Also UPVC Fascia etc & Replacement Double-Glazed Units. FENSA Registered Mobile 07977 631776

ALLIED BUILDING TRADES

SPECIALISTS IN RESTORATION, CONVERSION, AND TRADITIONAL BUILDS. ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING PROVIDED.

Telephone 01822 853225 Mobile 07967 210525

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS UNDERTAKEN

FULLY PART ‘P’ COMPLIANT

REG No 22330

Mike Gilbert Architectural Designs

Design and drawings for Planning & Building Regulations approval

Extensions, alterations & new buildings. Residential and Commercial.

Established 20 Years

References and Sample drawings available

Free initial consultation

Telephone: 01364 631031

R. M. Builders & Contractors

Reliable Local Company you can rely on to do a Good job at a fair price

New Builds, Extensions & Loft Conversions, Renovations, Maintenance & Repair, Driveways & Patios, Barn Conversions, Small to Large Estates

15 Years Local Experience in Small, Medium & Major Contracts
Local Builders With A Reputation For Quality Service & Reliability

Tel.  01822 610509 & 01822 859405  Mobile: 07771 803613

Merryfield, Dousland, Yelverton

MOORHEADS

ELECTRICAL SERVICES : DIY : HARDWARE

17 Station Road, Horrabridge
Telephone: Day 01822 853610  Evening 01822 854800

Morris Bros. (Tavistock) Ltd

Independent Funeral Directors est. 1870.
Five generations of care in the Community.

Elaine Morris & son, Simon Luke

24 hour service, private Chapel of Rest
Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plan for your peace of mind.

Lakeside, Tavistock PL19 0AZ 01822 612023

P. J. Shields

OIL AND GAS BOILER SPECIALIST

SERVICE - REPAIR - MAINTENANCE

Tavistock 614664

James Pattison  Tel: 01822 870256 Mob: 07980 901860

Landscaping - Traditional Stone Walling - Tree Surgery - Traditional HedgeLaying - Paving - Vegetation Clearance - Fencing - Mowing - Strimming - Public Liability Insured

RS MOTOR SERVICES

BUCKLAND MONACHORUM

01822 855747

FREE COURTESY CAR OR COLLECTION SERVICE FROM HOME OR WORK!

FRIENDLY LOCAL GARAGE OFFERING COMPUTERISED DIAGNOSTICS ON MOST MAKES AND MODELS USING THE LATEST EQUIPMENT.

MOT’S BY APPOINTMENT

SERVICING AND REPAIRS

DIAGNOSTICS AND TUNING

NICOLA MOULE

Carpets
All Types of Carpets & Vinyls Supplied and Fitted
The Complete Home Carpet Selection Service

Tel. 01822 853569 07884 253419

Terry Leythorne

Dousland Fuels

For all coal and smokeless fuel requirements

Telephone 01822 890357

PumpsPumpsPumps

For water/sewage pumps

Water treatment,  Ph correction,  UV sterilisation
Boreholes,  Springs

Garden maintenance
Property maintenance

Contact Simon on 07879 411883 or 01822 854254
for a friendly low cost efficient service.

Spiritual Time Clock & Watch Co.

Andrew H. Fulcher (Member of B.W.C.M.G.)
Clocks & Watches Repaired and Overhauled with Care & Consideration

Tel. 01548 857586 Mob.07721 487021
Email spiritualtime@aol.com  Website www.spiritualtime.co.uk

ABBEY TAXIS

Competitive Friendly Service. Any Distance Any Time.
Local & International Airport Runs. Contract Work Welcome.
Travel in comfort with our new 7 Seater VW Sharan.

E-Mail Bookings & Enquiries: abbeytaxis@hotmail.co.uk

Tel. 01822 617473   Mob. 07717 477193

CLASSY K9’s

Professional friendly dog grooming service.

One to one personal care for every dog.
All breeds/cross breeds welcome.

Call Paula 01822 853446

Endpiece

Burrator BEACON Editor  Jenny Sharp 

Editorial Team  Michael A Parle, Chas Symes.
Internet Edition Editor 

Published and issued quarterly, free of charge by Burrator Parish Council.
Copy to be sent to the editorial team or the clerk by the 15th November for the next edition to be published at the beginning of December 2007.
Burrator Parish Council is a body which complies with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.  Contact the Clerk Lucie Luke for specific details about parish business.

Advertising

The charge for adverts ranges from £14.10 (inc. VAT) per small advert per single issue to £169.20 (inc. VAT) per full page advert for 4 issues. For full details of advertising rates see BeaconAdvertRates2007.pdf. Adverts must be booked and paid for in advance. Cheques made payable to Burrator Parish Council and sent to the clerk. We have 800 copies distributed free of charge to every household in the Burrator Grouped Parish. The Burrator BEACON is also on the parish council website, so why not take the opportunity to publicise your business.

Please contact the Editor with any enquiries or adverts in writing. Please include any illustration preferably in the form of a clear line drawing.

Burrator Web Site

Apart from providing information from the council, the web site can be used by any business within the parish to advertise and attract new business. This service is provided free of charge to all council tax and business ratepayers within the parish.

We have many businesses that could benefit from the national and international coverage that World Wide Web provides. If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer get in touch with either the clerk Lucie Luke or councillor Michael Parle.

The opinions expressed in the Burrator BEACON are not necessarily those held by Burrator Parish Council. Every effort is made to ensure that information in these pages is accurate. However, the Council cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. Including information does not imply recommendation.