Burrator Parish Footpaths

SPRING cannot be far around the corner and then it will be Summer with those long sunny evenings that we always hope for! I'm sure many of us will enjoy a circular walk through the bluebells in Burrator Wood in May or a summer’s evening perambulation from the Scout Hut at Gutter Tor via Edwards Path to Ditsworthy, up through Drizzle Combe to Eylesbarrow Mine and back, watching the late evening sun set over Leather Tor behind Burrator. Did you know that these two walks use just five of the forty or so paths we have in our parish?

Burrator Parish Council assist Dartmoor National Park with the monitoring of the footpath network. We have several keen riders and walkers who help us by reporting back any problems. With this information we can keep the Rangers informed where maintenance is required. This is an important and necessary support so that our paths are accessible at all times for us to enjoy. We are always looking for 'surveyors' who use the paths to provide us with feedback on a regular basis. A simple form which helps to log any inspection can be obtained from a committee member. A detailed schedule can also be provided which identifies all the paths we have in Burrator Parish. They broadly stretch from Princetown to Merrivale, down the Walkham valley nearly to Horrabridge, across to Dousland and Meavy, over almost to Cadover Bridge and back to Princetown via Nun's Cross. That’s a big area!

The Footpaths Committee also have been looking at other initiatives such as walking publications and guides to advertise our path network. For a couple of years, we have arranged Parish Walks which have given many of us a chance to walk some of the paths, enjoy our local countryside and at the same have a good chat!

However, (and this is the sales pitch!) the Committee is quite small and although the ideas have great potential, we could do with some help to keep the initiatives going.

Therefore the Council is looking for volunteers to be co-opted onto the Footpaths Committee to assist the council members and hopefully to bring fresh impetus, new ideas and perhaps become involved in the overall activities of the Footpaths Committee.

If you would be interested in joining us, we would be very pleased to hear from you. Please give me or any committee member a ring and we can elaborate on our ideas. We meet four times a year on a Thursday evening and additional meetings are arranged as may be required.

This year instead of a series of Parish Walks, we are hopefully planning one big Summer Parish Walk, at a date to be set, where a focal point may be a barbecue half way around. That’s got to be tempting!

With your help, we look forward to a good year.

Chris Morley is Chairman of the Footpaths Committee (Tel: 01822 855145)

Editorial

Ted Whitehead

Once again we have a full and I hope informative newsletter with something for everyone.

The front-page picture of Walkhampton in the Winter issue was appreciated by many readers. For this issue we have chosen one of the same artist’s paintings of Sheepstor - sadly our small image doesn’t do full credit to the beautiful pastel shades used in the watercolour. Our thanks and best wishes go to Mr. West.

I would like to remind all contributors to include their names and contact numbers on items for inclusion in the Summer edition, to reach me no later than June 1st.

We need volunteers to help with a few deliveries of the magazine. Please contact me for details.

Clerk’s Report

Lucie A Luke

We have seen many Planning applications being submitted recently, including one for local needs housing in Walkhampton. This proposal has been strongly opposed by the local public and the Parish Council. A site meeting is expected shortly. The proposal for the Rural Studies Centre in Lovaton was eventually refused much to the relief of the local residents, however we hope the applicant succeeds in finding a more suitable location for the centre.

Attempts were made by the Parish Council to hold talks with the landowners involved in the B3212 Footpath proposal and, to date, we have been unsuccessful in gaining any further progress. The matter therefore, still lies between Devon County Council and the landowners directly, although the Parish Council will retain the funds currently set aside for the proposal in the hope that the footpath will go ahead one day.

The reduction in Bus Services looks set to stay. The Parish Council has liaised with the Transport Department regarding possible financial support from the Parish Council and unfortunately, even with our support, the services still do not meet Devon County Council’s criteria for reinstatement.

The car parking at Yelverton has been under discussion between Buckland Monachorum Parish Council and West Devon Borough Council and we have been advised that the matter will be included in the Annual Order and further talks will take place to discuss methods of enforcing the order.

The ivy on the old Oak Tree on Meavy Green has been carefully removed to allow any cracks or movement to be monitored. Our new seats for Meavy and Walkhampton Green are ready and we are waiting to hear from Dartmoor National Park Authority regarding providing bases for these.

Councillors
Two Council vacancies have arisen, for Meavy Ward and Walkhampton Dousland Ward; contact the Clerk for details.

Episcopal visit to Walkhampton Church

Chris Brannagan

On Sunday February 27th, the parishioners of Walkhampton were delighted to welcome the Right Reverend Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter for the first Episcopal visit on a Sunday to the parish since the early 1960’s. Pupils of Lady Modiford’s School and local Beavers, Cubs and Scouts together with their families and members of the local council joined with regular members of the congregation to make this memorable as the church was packed for the occasion. During the service, at which Bishop Michael preached on the subject of reaching out our hands to God and to our neighbours, and the church choir sang 2 anthems, the Beaver & Cub colours were paraded and the school music group & orchestra treated the congregation to a short musical interlude.

After the service the Bishop met members of the congregation over coffee and a “Bring & Share” lunch in the village hall. The Bishop also showed a great interest in our proposals to re-order the West End of the Church building. It was a great community day!

Speed Limit for Meavy

Michael A Parle

During March a survey has being conducted to gain the views of residents of Meavy on whether or not they would like to see a speed limit zone for the village of Meavy. The response has been overwhelmingly in favour, with (as of 2nd April) 30 replies received from residents, with 28 for a speed limit of 20 or 30 mph and 2 against. Many have expressed concern as to the excessive speed of some vehicles through the village and feel that some action to reduce speed needs to be considered.

The village of Meavy has much in common with many others throughout Dartmoor and Devon. In one aspect however it is very different - it does not have a speed limit. Examples of speed limits in nearby villages and settlements include: Dousland, Walkhampton, Buckland Monachorum, Milton Coombe, Wotter, Lee Moor, Shaugh Prior, all with 30 mph; Yelverton with a mix of 20, 30 and 40 mph limits; Cornwood, Lutton, Sparkwell and Hemerdon with the lowest speed limit of 20 mph.

The speed limit in Meavy is the national speed limit of 60 mph. The absence of a lower speed limit allows motorists to drive through the village at inappropriate high speeds. This is a danger both to the residents of the village and to the many visitors we have, especially walkers.

Devon County Council, in ‘A Speed Management Strategy for Devon’ state that they will “undertake community-wide reviews of the impact of vehicle speeds and adjust road layouts and speed limits where appropriate to better match the local circumstances”. It further states “Ways will be sought to take maximum advantage of new local discretionary powers to incorporate 20 mph limits . . . in order to civilise many more of our highways to the advantage of residents”.

One of the changes for speed limit zones relates to street lighting. It is no longer the case that highways with 20 or 30 mph speed limits must be lit, so those residents who enjoy the lack of light pollution in the village will not lose this benefit if a lower speed limit is applied.

Survey forms were distributed to all houses in Meavy. Burrator Parish Council has given its support.  The next step is to apply to Devon County Council for a Traffic Order.

Understanding planning controls

Keith Scrivener

Do you understand planning laws and would you know when planning permission is required for any alterations you wish to make to your home and garden? Few of us have complete knowledge of the intricacies of planning rules and regulations but it is important not to be caught out by ignorance.

People who build unauthorised extensions or erect wrongly-placed wooden sheds or greenhouses can be forced to take the structures down again. There have even been cases in law of complete new homes having to be demolished – at great cost and inconvenience.

So before you begin any development plans, however big or small, it is best to check your rights under planning rules. To help residents of Burrator, the Parish Council has obtained copies of a useful information booklet “Planning – A Guide for Householders.” In its pages you can find advice on what planning permission may be required before making house extensions, adding a porch or conservatory, building a greenhouse or shed, or even erecting gates and fences. There is also a handy guide on how to apply for planning permission.

Each of your parish councillors has been given a copy of the booklet, which they will happily refer to and offer advice before you begin any work or seek planning permission. A copy of the booklet will also be kept at your local shop, pub, or Post Office, for you to refer to.

The Parish Council recently pledged to include local residents in their planning deliberations by contacting people directly or by letter if they feel an inappropriate building is under way. Feel free to seek the help of any member of the council if you are unsure of planning requirements (names and telephone numbers on the Back Page). If we can’t help, we can at least refer you to the appropriate planning department before any damage is done. A free copy of the Planning booklet is available from ODPM Free Literature, PO Box 236, Wetherby, LS23 7NB. Telephone 0870 1226 236.

Planning Matters

Chas Symes

The Parish has been informed of further proposals to develop housing on land facing Knowle Terrace in Walkhampton. An initial application by Maristow Estates in 2003 for 28 dwellings was later withdrawn after DNP received 22 letters of objection, and formal objection by Burrator Parish Council.

In January 2005 a new application was made for 18 local needs houses and a public meeting was arranged, attended by Mr B. Page, who prepared the application, and Parish Councillors. Local residents expressed areas of objection including environmental and road safety issues, and extending the building line of the village into an open greenfield site.

On 3rd February, the Planning committee considered all the pros and cons, balancing the need for housing with the effect on a strategic rural settlement and unanimously voted against the application. An application has already been agreed for other social housing, and it is anticipated that ex-MOD properties in Horrabridge may be released for public use.

I believe the Committee has fulfilled its role in reflecting the views of the community as well as hearing individual concerns.

Chas Symes  is Chairman of BPC Planning Committee.

Meavy Conservation Area

As part of its planning responsibilities Dartmoor National Park has a duty to consider on a regular basis the designation of new conservation areas within the authority. This would apply to ‘areas of special architectural or historical interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.’ As part of this process DNP has proposed that the village of Meavy become a Conservation Area.

Deborah Griffiths, Head of Archaeology & Historic Buildings, has undertaken an assessment of Meavy’s suitability for conservation area status with a description of Meavy’s historic and architectural interest.

Two possible boundaries for the conservation area are suggested. The smaller uses the remains of the mill leat as the north boundary and the River Meavy as the south boundary and extends from the bridge on the west to a north-south boundary just beyond New Cottages. The second larger option extends the smaller option to go as far as the Old Smithy and include the 20th century council houses and the school.

Deborah Griffiths will be giving a presentation of the Meavy Conservation Area proposal on Tuesday 26th April, late afternoon/early evening, in Meavy Parish Hall open to residents of the village and all other interested persons.

Meavy Oak Fair 2005

Jenny Sharp

Preparations are well underway for Oak Fair which is on Saturday 18th June. The Oak Fair committee consists of about 10 people who are committed to maintaining this long-standing tradition. I would like to make Oak Fair Day itself less arduous for the committee members and the few volunteers that we have. Would you be able to help? I have split the afternoon into two shifts: 1:45 – 3:15 and 3:15 – 4:45 and there are a number of stalls that need manning - Skittle Alley, Coconut Shy, Rifle Range, Splat the Rat, selling Ice Creams, the BBQ, the Hog Roast, selling Programmes and selling Raffle Tickets.

If you can help then please contact me with details of which stalls and times you would like to do. I can then allocate you just one shift during the afternoon.

We also need help on the Friday evening from 6:30 – 8:00 putting up marquees and flags and then on Sunday morning from 10:30 – 12:00 taking them all down again! Once again please let me know if you are available to help at these times.

If you can’t, then please support the Fair by attending! It officially starts at 2pm with Meavy School Pageant and continues into the evening with a children’s disco (up to age 11) and live music in the Royal Oak for the grown ups!

Jenny Sharp can be contacted at 8 Marchants Way, Meavy, Tel. 01822 853652, e-mail: jsharp@plymouth.ac.uk

Sheepstor’s season of fun

Keith Scrivener

BRAIN power was tested at an entertaining Quiz Night held in Sheepstor’s St Leonard’s hall in February in aid of village hall funds.

Quizmaster David Legassick posed questions on a variety of subjects to amuse and test residents of the Dartmoor hamlet who afterwards enjoyed a bring-and-share supper. Prizes were won by the top three teams. Thanks go to David and all those who helped with the catering and organisation of the very enjoyable evening. A total of £48 was raised on the night.

A programme of seasonal events for the year ahead is now being organised by the hall committee for Sheepstor residents and their families. A summer evening’s barn dance and barbecue is being arranged, and a talk and slide show on local antiquities is planned for the autumn. A wine tasting quiz with a winter supper is one idea being looked at as a pre-Christmas get-together in December. More details on all these activities will follow later.

Burns Night Ceilidh for Charity

Tim and Sharon Lambie

On 29^th January we held a Burns Night Supper and Ceilidh in Meavy Parish Hall, in aid of the Tsunami appeal. It was generally hailed as a success - everybody had a great time and said that it should happen again next year. There were just over 90 people in all, crammed into the hall. We had a sit-down Burns supper, served by the ladies of the Meavy Friendship Group and provided by Zenna's Moorland Kitchen. Then the tables were cleared and we got down to the business of the evening and danced our shoes off. There was a Ceilidh Band which came all the way from Crediton called Home Brew, not unknown in these parts. They had a caller, so for those of us who didn't know what to do it made a great difference (I suspect that was most of us).

We would like to thank those of you who brought raffle prizes to add to the fundraising, because with the help of the inimitable David Tall, we raised a whopping £250 in the raffle and the auction that followed. Most of all though we would like to thank Steve and Karen Bradfield and of course those of you who attended and made it such a success. With donations from Crusader Windows and Chez Vous PC as well as a few other bits and bobs, we raised a total profit of £870. Add to that the gift aid of 28p in the pound, and the appeal will receive £1150. Thank you all.

So, aiming to please, we will start planning now for next year!

Walkhampton Memorial Hall

H.P.J. Edge

Land on which the Walkhampton Memorial Hall was built after WW2 was ‘given in trust’ to the village of Walkhampton by the Right Hon. Massey Henry Edgecombe, Second Baron of Roborough on 1st June 1955.

The Hall and playing field are run on a non profit-making basis - hire charges are kept at the absolute minimum required to ensure proper maintenance. When, as occasionally happens, funds are needed for major repairs or improvements, these are raised by donations and grants from, for example, the Burrator Parish Council, the West Devon District Council and the Walkhampton Arts & Crafts Exhibition & Sale. Such a fund raising exercise took place in 2002 when it was realized that a safe storage area was needed for bulky equipment. Work on this extension by a local builder in 2003 cost approximately £10,000 and was made possible by a generous donation from each of the organizations mentioned above, for which the Committee and users are most grateful.

Probably one of the more important uses of the hall is as a Pre-school Playgroup centre on each weekday morning but there are lots of other activity groups who regularly use it - a short-mat Bowling Club, a Painting class, a Tai Chi Club, Crusaders, Cub Scouts and a monthly Forum for example. And of course there are the well-known annual events such as the Walkhampton Arts & Crafts sale and the Cottage Garden Society show. The Hall can be hired from as little as £12, for a full afternoon’s session and the playing field for only £18 for the whole day, so it is also a popular venue for private parties and the occasional wedding reception.

Part of the large playing field has recently been licensed to ‘The Community Playpark Group’ who this year installed ROSPA-approved children’s recreational equipment in two newly fenced-off areas. The remainder of the playing field is marked out for football in the winter and cricket in the summer. Walkhampton has an active cricket club, which hosts regular inter-village matches but alas we have no football team at present, partly because we cannot offer appropriate changing facilities. The Committee is therefore considering raising funds to build a small sports pavilion.

The Trustees believe that these facilities meet a crucial and ongoing need in the community. For further information telephone the Bookings Secretary, Mr. Michael d’Oyly (01822-852268) or e-mail him at doylymj@dsl.pipex.com.

Meavy Friendship Group

Val Smith

What have we been up to in 2004? Meavy Friendship Group ran four fundraising events: two jumble sales, a beetle drive and the Christmas Whist Drive. The Jumble sale in February made a profit of £200 which was donated to The Primrose Appeal. The Beetle Drive made a profit of £83 for the Christmas Parties. The Jumble Sale in October made a profit of £230 which was donated to Meavy Parish Hall for the replacement curtains and for the cleaning of the stage curtains. The Christmas Whist Drive made a profit of £420 which was donated to the BBC Devon Chestnut Appeal. We are grateful for the donation of £150 from Meavy Oak Fair 2004 and for donations from individuals amounting to £135.

In December we held a Christmas lunch for seventy five of Meavy Parish’s senior citizens and a party for fifty 3-7 year olds.

What are we doing this year? We are already planning Jumble Sales for March 19th at 1pm and another in October. There will be a beetle drive on Tuesday 5th April at 6pm. This is during the school Easter holidays and it is great fun for the whole family from 5 to 105! Profits from the Beetle Drive will be for charity – Riding for the Disabled. The Senior Citizens lunch will be on Friday 2nd December and Children’s Party is on Saturday 10th December. The Christmas Whist Drive will be on Monday 5th December.

Can you help? We always welcome new members on the committee or just help at the Jumble Sales and Parties. For more information please contact me.

Val Smith (Chair of MFG) can be contacted on 01822 855909.

Walkhampton Quiz

What does an Arctophile collect? What is the capital of Ghana? If you can answer these questions, why not come and join in with the quiz held at 9pm on alternate Thursday evenings at the Walkhampton Inn. It is a lighthearted “fun quiz” consisting of 5 rounds of 10 “general knowledge” questions. No themed rounds and no trick questions.

We welcome single players or teams of up to 6 people (cost £1 per head) half proceeds offered to the winning team and half going to the charity of the month. Even the losing team gets a prize! A different local charity is nominated to receive the monthly proceeds and over the last three and a half years the regular “quizzers” have raised thousands of pounds all of which has been donated to local good causes, or local branches of national charities.

For further details contact Chris or Len on 853150 or the Walkhampton Inn on 855556

Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT)

Volunteers are needed to work in Dartmoor Prison Visitor’s Centre and as Family Support Mentors.

Full training is given and volunteers are reimbursed for their expenses.

PACT is one of the leading charities working with prisoners’ families. We believe in the unique dignity of every human being. We believe that this dignity doesn’t depend on what you have or haven’t done. We work with prisoners who have mental health needs, and we work to support prisoners’ families. So often families bear the stigma and live through the punishment with little or no support. We work with prisoners’ children, using supervised play, to strengthen family ties that are threatened by imprisonment.

In a country with the highest rates of imprisonment in Europe, our work is not easy or popular, but we know it is important.

For all South West Projects contact: Sue Caley on 01579 382964 or Sarah Davies on 01392 415 772 or 0790 638 2877

The Moorland Concert Band

David Gray and Jenni Martin

The Moorland Concert Band was set up in January 2004 by David Gray and Jenni Martin, both local music teachers. There is a great shortage of bands especially aimed at beginners, and it was with this in mind that David and Jenni decided to form the band. They also felt that their pupils needed to gain experience playing in an ensemble, where they could improve their sight-reading and general musicianship.

They feel that music should not be confined to one’s house and that musicians should have the opportunity to perform with other musicians and in public.

The Moorland Concert Band only performs a select number of concerts throughout the year, as most of the members are children. Last year the band played at Tavistock College, Walkhampton Summer Fair and Yelverton Church Fair. The band was well received at all of the performances. To finish off the year the band put on a Christmas Concert with Walkhampton Primary School in St. Paul’s Church, Yelverton. The concert was a huge success and the evening raised over £300.

The Moorland Concert Band was named by one of the band members. David and Jenni make sure that all decisions are made by the band, for example the choice of music, name of the band and the band’s logo.

This year the band is aiming to raise enough money to purchase a band t-shirt. As the band’s only source of income is through subscriptions and engagements we will be appealing to local businesses to help sponsor the band.

Players of any age can join. It is recommended however that an individual has been learning for at least six months. The band rehearse at the Walkhampton Memorial Hall every Sunday morning between 9-30 and 11-00.

David and Jenni are both keen to encourage music making in the community. This summer they will be running a two-day workshop for brass and woodwind players. It will be held on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th of July at Walkhampton Memorial Hall. If you would like any more information or are interested in attending then please contact: David on 01822-854888.

People of the Parish

Dawn Smith (nee Stevens)

I have spent almost all my life at Meavy. Born at Marchants Way, I had a wonderful childhood playing in the woods and river. There were about 16 children in the village. I used to spend a lot of time with my brother and the other boys, building dens and making bikes from scrap and trolleys which we raced down the lanes, even riding an old car bonnet down Lynch Hill in the ice and snow. There were no cattle grids and we would often wake up in the morning to see ponies or sheep in our gardens. All the children in the village played together, we often played rounders and cricket.

There were only four buses a day to Meavy and two to Dousland. Our grandparents also lived in the village at Heather Cottage and, as we didn’t have a TV and they did, we were allowed to watch Top of the Pops on a Thursday evening. Nanan and Granddad looked after the Church as Verger and Sexton. I helped Nan clean the Church using a goose wing for the difficult bits and painting the pews and book rests with “o” cedar oil. She taught me to knit, crochet and sew by the time I was four.

We all went to Meavy School, two classrooms separated by a wooden screen. Each one had a stove to keep us warm. The milk would often be frozen and be put near the fire to defrost. The teacher Mrs Wakeham and the Headmistress Miss Reader had to keep the fires stoked with coke. The block of toilets was down the back with a line of fir trees behind. Miss Reader was very strict, but I loved school.

There was a drama group in the village and I took part in the pantomime every year.

Our family didn’t have a car, but Dad had a motorbike, however I was not a good pillion passenger as I was always trying to look around my Dad to see what was coming, so I didn’t get to go on many trips with him. We would often walk to Yelverton with Mum to get shopping and in 1963 we were walking on top of the hedges, as the snowdrifts were so deep. In the summer Mum would take a picnic and we went down by the river or up in the woods.

I went on to Tavistock Comprehensive and took my “0” levels. My brother, sister and I have all worked on local farms. I got married and went to live at Hemerdon but after two years we moved back to Marchants Way, and our 4 children went to the local schools.

When my Nan died, my Mum took over as Verger, and also worked as school dinner lady, while I followed Grandad as Sexton in the 1980’s,and when Mum died in 1999, I combined some of both jobs.

I became a single parent and as my children grew up I had various jobs in the local pubs and nursing homes, gardening and I even had a milk round. I remarried in 1993, and started as a Home Care Assistant with Social Services, helping people to stay in their own homes. I became Domiciliary Team Leader for Tavistock, and now mostly work in an office but travel around the county quite a bit, both as Team Leader and as an NVQ assessor. This last year I have passed the Church keys to another willing hand for the time being but I still help out in the church, and I serve on a couple of committees. The children have stayed close to their roots, and Terry lives in our old house next door with his wife and three children, two of whom go to Meavy School. That makes four generations of us attending the same school!

I feel I am so lucky surrounded by my children and grandchildren in a place I love with the person I love. Nothing can beat it.

Obituaries

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

Ivan (Charlie) Thyer Died 3^rd December 2004.
Thanksgiving Service at Meavy Church on Monday 13^th December.

Carol Ann Bowden died 9^th December 2004.
Thanksgiving Service at Meavy Church on Tuesday 21^st December.

Michael Fraser (aged 77years) Service at Sheepstor 26^th January

Wilfred Stanley Cook (aged 88 years) Service at Saint Paul’s Yelverton 31^st January followed by committal at Walkhampton.

The Rev’d Prebendary Cyril J. Warland, (aged 83 years) formerly Minister of Walkhampton Church, husband of the late Norah, died peacefully on 1^st February 2005.

Wilhelmine Maker died March 11^th. Funeral Service at Holy Cross, 18^th March.

Robert D G Williams. We were sad to learn of the death of Bob Williams who lived at Horseyeat, Walkhampton for many years, before moving to Tavistock with his wife Hilary. As a Borough Councillor Bob served the Parish faithfully for many years.

Our condolences go to all their families.

Letter To The Editor

from Barry McMahon

My father, Michael McMahon, was born in Walkhampton in 1924 and is descended from a long line of Blacklers, Toops, Crebers, Giles, Lakemans, Stuttafords, Stonemans, Fuges, Atwells, Elliots, Roaches, Willcocks, Shullabers, Pearses, Crockers, Cornishes, Northmores and even Drakes. The remotest direct ancestor I have traced is a Roberti Drake, born around 1519, who had daughters Amea and Dorothy. Intriguingly, Sir Francis Drake had a cousin John Drake who was captured by the Spanish and, under questioning, spoke of a sister called Dorothy and a father called Robert. This may just be coincidence, of course.

In researching my family history, I have come across references to a booklet called 'The Creber Connexion of Walkhampton', which has been impossible to track down. Do Burrator Beacon readers know where I may be able to purchase a copy?

A recent discovery is that another of my direct ancestors, John Creber (born in 1666) lived at Mullicroft Farm in Sheepstor. This fell into disuse at the time Burrator reservoir was created, but it still exists as a ruin. I was wondering if any of your readers might know more about Mullicroft and its past inhabitants. The name is particularly intriguing - did the Crebers produce mulled cider there?

The Toop name is very well known in the area. The most remote Toop I have traced is a Nichus Towpe (Toop) who married Anne Bynmare in 1561 (in Ugborough). There are records of even earlier Toop-like names (eg: Topa) in Ugborough going back to the 1300s. I believe Horrabridge has had a high concentration of Toops in more recent times, many of whom have been stonemasons, builders, yeoman farmers and small businessmen/women. The Tavistock Directory 1918, in the section on Tavistock Hamlets, lists an 'R Toop' at Crowndale Farm. This is of course the place where, it is believed, Sir Francis Drake was born.

Henry William Toop (born 1866), my great grandfather, was the proprietor of the Walkhampton Inn in the early 1900s (as the present proprietors know!). He died in the flu epidemic in November 1918 in Walkhampton. Sadly, within the space of a couple of weeks, he and two of his sons (William and Jack) had all succumbed to the virus. On a brighter note, many Toops survive to this day. I have seen a photograph of the Horrabridge football team taken in 1928 which, allegedly, features a Toop. Unfortunately, I know not which one he is! Perhaps a Burrator Beacon reader can help. The photograph is at the following web address: www.hrsports.co.uk/history/home.htm

My e-mail address is barry@spacefossil.freeserve.co.uk, telephone 01480 211216. Many thanks for any help!

Letter To The Editor

from Robbie Cozens

I found this Web site while taking a stroll through the past. I was stationed at RAF Mount Batten from 1977 until 1983 when I was demobbed. I discovered the Royal Oak while taking a drive round Dartmoor one summer day in 1977. We stopped at Burrator, and I took a gentle stroll up Sheep's Tor, where a young lady was making a pencil sketch of the rocks - it was very good.

I went back to my car where my mate was listening to Cricket! Planning to stop in Plymouth for a snack we drove past the Royal Oak. I reversed into a parking space, we went in, ordered a pint each and thought “Blow Plymouth”. It must have been the Steak and Kidney Pud in the Ceramic pots with a crusty top that did it. Or was it Des and Johnie? I wonder where they are now? Could have been Katrina or Roz. I do know that over the years that followed I and many of my mates were happy to drive out to that lovely pub on a Sunday evening for a real good singalong-a-John on the organ. Also many local people did a solo. Harold was most popular; along with the Butcher; Harold could really sing out, many really old well-known songs. His finale was usually "the Holy City" He'd sing the verse and we'd all join in the chorus. Dave Smale also often did his favourite songs.  Yes, we had many a happy night in the pub. I made several friends at that bar some of whom I still stay in touch with to this day.

Now I'm home in my village in north Norfolk, I have a tape recording I made over a couple of Sunday nights and still listen to it from time to time, and am transported back to the 70's & 80's. John on the organ, Des in the background, and the general chatter of the customers, lovely it is too. Where I wonder are those people now - John and Des, Katrina, Roz and the others who often served us with a pint or two of Ushers Bitter and the so tasty unforgettable Steak and Kidneys. I found myself a girl friend in the Royal Oak, one evening, wonder where she is now? Came from Tavistock.

All the best

Contact Robbie Cozens: (Ex R A F Mount Batten)
Telephone 01263 861300 or e-mail ROBBIECOZENS355@aol.com.

“Two Ways to Tavistock”

Railway nostalgia through slides and commentary with Mr Bernard Mills, well-known rail enthusiast, author of “Steam around Plymouth”.

Walkhampton Memorial Hall, Friday April 15th 2005, 7-30pm.

Tickets £4, book via e-mail: oldrailshow@aol.com or phone Roger (854098) or Bill (892913) or from Walkhampton Stores.

Raffle – Bookstall - Display of Railway Memorabilia (offers to Roger above).

Buy your tickets soon to catch a steamin’ good evening.

In aid of the St Mary’s, Walkhampton, West End Re-ordering fund.

Nostalgia

Walkhampton Hall was full for a recent evening of local film excerpts from the TSW archives. As well as general moorland events going back to the 1930’s, there were more recent clips of a young Ray Yelland explaining his wheelwright craft to an equally young Judi Spiers, and a Scottish Pipe Band entertaining the crowds at the Walkhampton May Fair in the late 80’s. A great evening was rounded off with home made refreshments.

Proceeds went to Walkhampton Church Re-Ordering Fund.

Book Group

Would anyone be interested in forming a local Book Group, to meet once a month to discuss a chosen book? If so, please ring Jenny March on 01822-853418.

Meavy Garden Society

Friday 24^th June Coach to Westcountry Garden Festival, Exeter.
Saturday 13^th August Summer Show
For details contact 01822 853255

Meavy Oak Fair

Saturday 18th June from 1:45 pm on the Village Green

The best village Fair in the county.

FUN FOR ALL at Walkhampton Fayre

Saturday 11 June 2005 from 12 midday at the Memorial Hall

Many attractions and stalls including:

•  dog show
•  live music
•  beer and tea tents
•  sumo suit wrestlers
•  hog/ram roast
•  bouncy adventure trail
. . . . and lots more

Come and join us for a GREAT DAY OUT

Village Halls

Please support our local village halls. Each hall has disabled access.

Booking details can be obtained from the following:

Advertisements

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Mobile: 07771 803613

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MOORHEADS

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

TERRY LEYTHORNE
DOUSLAND FUELS

For all coal and smokeless fuel requirements

Also Pressure Washing – walls, patios, drives, bins etc

Telephone: 01822 890357

DUSKHUNTER DOG GROOMING

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Clipping, handstripping, trimming, bathing etc.
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For all details and appointments: Tel Linda Minett on 01822 855445

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Home Visiting Computer Service

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Tim Lambie  (Mon - Fri, 10am - 8pm)  01822 855822

CHIROPODY

Krista Linnen BSc(Hons) SRch MchS
State Registered Chiropodist & Podiatrist
Professional & caring home visiting service

Tel (home) 01822 853953  (mobile) 07789 513043

Creating Changes

Jacqui Balloqui

B.A.  P.G.Dip. Intergrative Psychotherapy; CAPS Mental Health;
P.G.Dip. Youth and Community Work; C.S.C.T.Cert. Counselling

Qualified Counsellor and Creative Therapist
T.A. Psychotherapist in Supervised Clinical Practice

Telephone 01822 855727
Sheepstor House, Sheepstor, Yelverton, Devon

Burrator BEACON Editor  Ted Whitehead, 
Moorland House, Golf Links Road, Yelverton PL20 6BN  Tel. 01822 853435

Editorial Team  Anne Ellis, Keith Scrivener   Internet Edition Editor 

Published and issued quarterly, free of charge by Burrator Parish Council.
Copy to be sent to the Editor by the 1st June for the next edition to be published in June 2005.
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 is £10 (inc. VAT) per advert per single issue or £28.20 (inc. VAT) per advert for 4 issues. One full page advert costs £35.25 (inc. VAT) per single issue. Adverts must be booked and paid for in advance. Cheques made payable to Burrator Parish Council and sent to the Editor (address above). 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.