Spring 2008

We must be MAD

Graham Dimmock

I hope that those of you who came to the Meavy Pantomime enjoyed the show – and many apologies to those who couldn’t get tickets. The pantomime started as an idea to raise funds for Meavy Parish Hall but somewhere along the road it developed a life of its own and led to the formation of MAD – Meavy Amateur Dramatics. We have had many compliments on the production and the lift it gave to those who became involved with it, even on the periphery. And though expenses ran higher than anticipated, the full houses to which we played ensured we generated significant new funds for the Hall.

The creation of MAD frees the Hall Committee from being involved in the detail of putting on the Panto but still allows it to benefit from the hiring charges paid by MAD together with a donation from any surplus funds generated. MAD is run by a committee of 7 people including Jools Boston (Chair), Debbie Measures (Secretary) and Rebecca Harwood (Treasurer). MAD also has representation on the Meavy Hall Committee alongside other user groups. Robert McIntosh and myself currently fulfil that role. Rob Jones is responsible for Publicity and Esme Wills is our Fairy Godmother! If you want to get involved, then please contact Jools on 855693 or contact any other member of the Committee. Membership costs just £10.

MAD meets in Meavy Parish Hall on the last Tuesday of every month. You may also find members gathering on other Tuesday evenings in The Royal Oak! We are planning to do a short revue as part of the Meavy Oak Fair on the 21st June. At our next meeting, on March 25th, we will begin work on the Revue. If you have ideas for sketches, do join us. There is a £1 contribution to hiring costs from members who attend. Future activities will include play readings and workshops.

Our next Panto will be performed in January 2008. We are planning to do Dick Whittington and hope to begin work in the summer. Most of this year’s cast have already signed up but, once again, get in touch soon if you want to be a part of the fun. That applies equally for the backstage team.

Finally, we plan to run for an extra night next year which will hopefully ease the problems we had with ticket availability for our first show.

Editorial

Jenny Sharp

Another issue jammed pack with information on all sorts of hopefully interesting things! I had a real struggle to fit everything in this time so apologies to those who supplied photographs of events – there was just not enough room. However they are available on the web version which can be viewed at www.burrator.gov.uk which was where one internet user found herself when looking for information about some coins featuring Burrator Reservoir. There are a number of requests for information in this edition from mystery plaques to local schools, do get in touch if you have any information that you can pass on – that way the local history can be recorded for future generations. There will hopefully be some follow up articles on these requests.

This edition contains the usual look back at events over the last few months including bingo at Sheepstor and dancing at Meavy; news of events to come in the next few months including the Church Fete and Play Park Plant Sale at Walkhampton and the Jumble Sale, Beetle Evening and Quiz Night at Meavy.

News from the council includes the latest happenings of the Planning Committee, details of the Parish Walk and a new councillor, John Howells, tells us all about himself and why he decided to join Burrator Parish Council. The Annual Parish Council Meeting is on 29th May where there is a review of the business the Council has done in the past year and also considers what there is to do in the following year. Do make an effort to attend if you can, that way your councillors can act on your behalf.

Please keep the articles coming in, the deadline for the next edition is 5th June, let me have all the details of the summer events and remember to set your dates of Autumn and Winter events early so they can go in the Dates for Your Calendar page in plenty of time.

Clerk’s Report

Lucie A Luke

The Parish Council have submitted a formal complaint to Dartmoor National Park Authority regarding the now granted development for social housing in Walkhampton – we are still awaiting a satisfactory response!

Several grant applications were determined recently these included: Sheepstor Village Hall £1000 towards replacement windows, Walkham Valley Scout Group £450 towards hall and field rental, Meavy Parish Hall £300 to assist with purchasing new lightweight tables, Meavy Parents & Toddlers Group £100 for general running costs.

With regard to Cllr Parle’s request in the last edition regarding Meavy Ford, we are in receipt of two letters confirming long established use of the ford as a Highway but more letters may be needed so please take a minute to put pen to paper if you can.

Sandbags can be obtained by contacting our Councillor Doug Allison in Meavy on 854603 He has volunteered to pick these up from West Devon for any resident who may require some.

Chairman's Report

Chas Symes

Well, spring is in the air again, or is it? As I am writing this report it is mild and the sun is shining. The daffodils are in flower and there is snow on my car! In this Spring Edition of the Beacon I want to mention three things.

These are concerning the Post Office Service, Planning Matters in Walkhampton and the opportunity you have to shape the forthcoming yearly agenda as electors of Burrator Parish.

The Parish Council has been made aware that there is a list of Post Office closures in Devon. The list will be made public in May 2008.There is a six week consultation period which ends 8th July 2008. The Post Office closures come into effect in August 2008. Burrator Parish Council has agreed in principle that it is opposed to Post Office closures in Burrator. The Council is seeking more information from the Post Watch South-West Panel on the proposed closures and how we may oppose the closures. Devon Post Watch Panel is part of a National Organisation, their role is to protect, promote and develop the interests of all customers of postal services in the UK. There are not just the economic issues about Post Offices to consider in rural areas. These services offer much more in the way of social contact and convenience to those parts of the public that may otherwise find themselves isolated. So we’ll keep you posted on how things develop!

You may be aware that the planning application opposite Knowle Terrace in Walkhampton was narrowly carried by 9 votes to 7 at a Dartmoor ……….. cont overleaf National Park Authority Committee. Burrator Parish Council has opposed that application on various grounds. The Parish Council is not opposed to meeting local housing need with social housing projects but it believes that the area opposite Knowle Terrace is not appropriate. In fact the Council has not opposed applications to meet social needs housing in other areas of Walkhampton. The Parish Council continues to communicate with Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) about the way this planning application was managed by them as the planning authority. Unfortunately, after a large volume of correspondence between us and unsatisfactorily responses from DNPA, we have made a formal complaint to them about the way they administered the process of this application. The formal response to our complaint was very unsatisfactory and we are determined to pursue this complaint further.

In February the Councillors of Burrator Council organised a “meet your councillors” event at Meavy Parish Hall. Various stalls and presentations were available to show how the Council functions for the electors of the Parish. There was information on how it obtains its finance and how it spends it. Other information was given on how the Royal Oak Inn committee supports the overall management of the Parish’s Pub. Other presentations were concerned with how the Council manages its overall way of working and how planning matters play an important part in the Council’s business. There was a stall showing how the Council fulfils its responsibility to Footpaths in the Parish and how its organisation of Parish Walks supports this role.

For those of you who were unable to attend this “meet your councillors’ event” there will be future opportunity for you to make your views known on matters that are important to you. It is your Annual Parish Meeting (APM) on 29th May at Walkhampton Memorial Hall. There is, at the beginning of this meeting, a chance for you to make your views known to the Parish Council about the areas of interest you believe might be a good idea for us to consider in this years forthcoming Council’s business. So the APM is an important meeting because it not only reviews the business the Council has done in the past year but also considers what to do in the following year. If you are unable to attend this meeting in person, perhaps you would like to email or write to the Clerk of the Parish Council about things that you believe will improve the quality of life in Burrator Parish.

Eyes down at Sheepstor

Esther Rookes

On Friday, 16th February, 30 people of all ages from the area gathered for an evening of Bingo in Sheepstor Village Hall. With a range of many different prizes & John Bowman calling, eyes were soon down to the serious fun of crossing out the called numbers. Shouts of bingo came from across the room. The evening was split into 2, divided by refreshments in the middle of the evening. One round was called out in German by Corinna, which the teenagers present rapidly translated into English for the remainder of the players.

The entertaining evening was rounded off with a raffle, with a great number of prizes on offer. A total of £100 was raised at the evening for village hall funds. The committee would like to thank everyone who came & made the evening such great fun and the people who donated food and prizes.

Meavy Burns Night Supper and Ceilidh

Tim & Sharon Lambie

After having missed a year, we decided to give our Burns Night extravaganza on 26 Jan 2008 another go to see if we really did enjoy doing it as much as we remembered last time. We enlisted the help of Scott and Jane Ferguson of Lovaton and very quickly decided upon a charity for the event – Families for Children. That gave us the impetus and with more help from many others, it all came together in time.

We were a little hampered, it is true, by a rival event in Walkhampton on the same evening which poached some of our regulars, but we still managed to fill the hall. The final reckoning shows that we raised £580 profit from the event. The bulk of the sum went to the charity and we were able to give some to the Meavy Friendship Group who have helped us every year so far (and this was our 3rd). Without them, we would have to do the washing up ourselves, man the bar and wait at table.

We had some great prizes donated by various organizations, which really helped with the auction; these raised £220 alone. Stephen Earp of The Royal Oak very kindly donated a barrel of beer, which also significantly helped towards the total and most people who came, brought a prize that either went in the raffle or the auction. Thank you all.

We plan to do the whole thing again next year! We believe that the combination of the band “Home Brew” and our new found caterer, Jean Thomson, along with everyone’s enthusiasm for the event, make it all worthwhile. One real Burns devotee tells us that our event is exactly the sort of thing that the Baird would have approved of – people having fun in a Village Hall, brightening up a winter evening. He also informs us that next year is the 250th anniversary of Burns. No better excuse needed to come along then – join us on the 24th January 2009. If you want to call and book, then please do, as soon as you like 852512 even as early as March 2008!!

Burrator Circuit

Michael Parle

The ‘Winter Walk’, the first of this year’s programme of Parish Council Walks was on Saturday 19th January and was lead by Michael Parle. A small band of brave souls gathered at the quarry car park on what was a damp and misty morning. All dressed up in boots and waterproofs we set off from the car park up to the old railway track and followed this northwards above Burrator Reservoir. It may have been damp, but it was not cold, in fact it felt quite mild. We could see below by the dam scores of cars and people, but up on the old railway track the scene was ours alone to enjoy.

 

The view from the old railway track looking down over Burrator Reservoir and over to Sheepstor which was along the route of the last Parish Walk. Unfortunately the weather was not quite as good on the day of the walk as when the photo was taken so if you were on the walk this is the view you would have seen if the mist had cleared! (Photo: M A Parle 2008)

On reaching the Devonport Leat we followed the footpath that goes along the side of the leat. There was no wind – all that could be heard was the gentle sound of the flow of water. We crossed the road and continued alongside the leat through the tall pine trees to the next road crossing. Crossing over this road we went over the style, taking the right hand footpath running along the southern edge of Peekhill Plantation. Much of this track is impassable due to deep ruts and mud caused by logging vehicles and machinery, so we had to divert a little to the north to find suitable ground for walking.

Because of the heavy rain over previous days other sections of this path were waterlogged. Not that this mattered much to our band of walkers. The path crosses an open meadow and then leads into Crofts Plantation. Here the trees are much younger, with most only around 2 to 3 metres high.

Eventually we come out of the woods over a style then turn right to come down to the road at Cross Gate. Taking the bridge over the leat we again followed along the leat to the next bridge. Here we left the soft and calming sound of flowing water and went down the gravel track to the right, looking for a footpath to the right. This footpath winds through Norsworthy Plantation down to Norsworthy Bridge. Here as is usual at the weekend there were lots of cars and people, but were do they go? Get about 100 yards away from the road and there seems to be no one else around!

At the far end of the parking area we took the track that branches off to the left. On reaching the ruins of an abandoned farmhouse we went off to the right to enter the arboretum. We followed various paths around the arboretum, eventually coming out into a small pine plantation at the foot of Yellowmead Down. This provided a suitable place for a refreshment spot, out of the drizzle. Once under the trees it is surprisingly dry. Those of us that had come well prepared enjoyed a hot drink! Back on the track to come out on to Yellowmead Down at the foot of Sheeps Tor by Narrator Plantation. It had been our intention to turn south to go steeply uphill to the top of Sheeps Tor. However as the low cloud was shrouding the tor we felt there was little advantage to be gained by ascending as there would be no view to enjoy.

Hence we proceeded along the bridleway around the side of Sheeps Tor. This bridleway comes out onto the road around the reservoir at a point where there once stood an inn. I don’t recall the name of the inn, but no doubt many readers will let me know! We went straight across the road and over two styles, taking the track to the left through the woods and coming out at Sheepstor Dam. Going over the dam we turned right at the road and took a little used footpath on the left into the woods. Follow the tracks through the woods we came out above Burrator Dam. This gave us a good view of the water cascading over the top of the dam. It was then only a short walk along the road back to the quarry car park.

All agreed that it had been well worthwhile making the effort to come out even though it looked a damp a miserable morning. We had had a thoroughly enjoyable walk.

The next Parish Council Walk is on Saturday 26th April, starting at 10 am from the car park at Cadover Bridge. The walk is through North Wood and Plym valley woods to Shaugh Bridge, along the River Meavy to Dewerstone Cottage, up to Dewerstone Rock via the tramway and back over Wigford Down to Cadover. We look forward to having many of you join us, whatever the weather!

One good urn deserves . . .

Mike Spry

We live in a World with countless worthwhile Charity causes possibly none more so than CHILDRENS HOSPICE SOUTH WEST which helps children, their parents, families & friends to cope with the severe illness they unfortunately suffer, often tragically unfairly from birth. Fortunately Burrator Parish has a number of residents who are very active members of a fantastic local team of direct helpers who fund-raise - generating the money vital to both build & operate the wonderful hospices which are so important to those who use them.

Sometimes, however, it is not just funds that are required. It would be an enormous help if the local team of volunteers had their own crockery rather than having to hire or collect from various sources. So if you have unwanted matching teacups & saucers lurking at the back of a cupboard, in a box under the stairs or tucked away in the loft where it’s been since you last moved house – go on, have a good old rummage about & deliver it to Yelverton Post Office where, thanks to the kindness of the management & staff, it will be gratefully accepted & used at forthcoming CHSW events - & if anyone knows of an electric urn, ideally 20 litre or thereabouts, that would be mighty helpful as well!

In the meantime, many thanks to everyone for the invaluable support you give (in whatever way) to this wonderful cause. We look forward to seeing some of you at our forthcoming CHSW events: 10th May, Plant Sale, Buckland Monachorum Village Hall 1.30pm and 14th June, Barn Dance, Buckland Abbey, 8.00pm, £10 per ticket from Yelverton PO

Books on Wheels – Devon Library Service

Edwina Lawrence - WRVS Books on Wheels coordinator

The WRVS and Devon library service would like to say thank you to two local ladies who have been loyal volunteers for the Books on Wheels service and have just retired after over twenty years. Jean Rogers and Jill White have carried out this service in Yelverton and the villages of Buckland Monachorum, Dousland, Meavy as well as two nursing homes in the area. BEST WISHES AND A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU BOTH.

The home library service enables housebound people to carry on enjoying books and tapes/discs when they can no longer get to the library. If you like reading yourself you can imagine not being able to get to the library can be a great loss. Anyone interested in helping with this invaluable service can find out more by contacting Tavistock library  01822 612218

Running the London Marathon

Paul Waldron

If you’re like me The London Marathon is something that you watch each year and say “One day I’d like to do that”, but then carry on with the weekend work while the TV plays on in the background. Well last year I made a commitment to actually run the race and so here I am with only few weeks to go training for the 2008 Flora London Marathon on Sunday 13th April.

Training is not quick and certainly not easy, 26+ miles is not only a long way to run, it’s a long time to keep your mind focussed and positive especially when most of the long distance training is during the winter. What keeps me going is fact that I am raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support, a charity close to my heart as it was the MacMillan nurses who helped my family when my father was poorly. They always managed to bring a smile into our lives on even the darkest days.

There are three times as many people in Britain living with cancer than there were 30 years ago and Macmillan Cancer Support provides essential practical, medical, emotional and financial support to families and they campaign Nationally for better cancer care. For families affected by cancer MacMillan provides help when it is most needed and they are there every step of the way.

If you would like to donate to MacMillan by sponsoring me you can do so by sending a cheque payable to MacMillan Cancer Support to Little Knowle Barn, Walkhampton, Yelverton PL20 6JU or go online at my webpage: www.justgiving.com/paulwaldron .

Your help and support is very much appreciated. Thank you and don’t forget to turn on your TV on Sunday 13th April, I’ll be the tall chap with a green vest and a BIG smile!

St Mary’s Church, Walkhampton - Events  

Chrissie Brannnagan – St Mary’s PCC

We have number of events coming up over the next few months which we hope that you will support us in:

Mediterranean Cruise Night in aid of St Mary's Church Walkhampton West End Reordering Fund to be held in Walkhampton Memorial Hall at 7:30pm on Friday 25th April. Come and join in the fun for all the family including Entertainment, games and a raffle. Tickets at £5 per adult and £3 per child (including supper) will shortly be available. For more information look out for the posters or telephone Ros & Jim on 01822 854912.  

Guided Walks & Cream Teas are two fund raising events that have been arranged to be held on Saturday 10th May. Both walks will begin from Walkhampton Church where there is ample car parking. The longer walk, a Church and Moorland circular walk of approximately 5 miles, costing £3:50per person will begin at 10am and last for approximately 3 hours.The shorter walk, a Church and Village circular walk of approximately 1 mile, costing £2 per person will begin at 10am and be repeated at 11:30am and lastfor approximately 1 hour.  Cream Teas will be available to purchase at the end of all of the walks. For more details contact Mavis & Mike on 01822 854135

Church Fete, our annual fete, is planned for 17th May in Walkhampton Memorial Hall & Field, starting at 12pm. Stalls will include Raffle, Bric a Brac, Books, Games, Cakes, Tombola, etc. Come and join in the fun for all the family.  Refreshments available.  

Cream Tea in aid of St Mary's West End Reordering Fund will be hosted by Mike & Mavis at their home 23 Merrivale View Road, at 3pm on Sunday 8th June. Come & join us and enjoy Mike & Mavis' hospitality.  The afternoon will include a raffle and there will be plants available to purchase.

Meavy C of E Primary School

Sue Blair – Headteacher

It is so wonderful to see the signs of spring everywhere. Those very dark mornings and evenings are now a thing of the past. This term has been exciting and very busy. Our annual reports to parents go out this term and we have been looking at how we achieve our goals in life.

THE COMMUNITY - The children are delighted that the daffodil bulbs that they helped to plant around the village last term are now in bloom. There were twenty two children in the school who participated in the village panto. It was an absolutely marvellous occasion for the whole village and really brought everyone together. I know that it will be repeated next year. I can’t wait - it was such fun.

DRAKE’S LEAT - As part of our involvement with the formulation of the new cycle path from Tavistock to Plymouth, we were invited to test the spur routes during February. The school will be testing the route on Monday 31st March. If you want to know more about the project you can contact: Phil Baker, Drake’sTrail Project Officer, West Devon Borough Council. Tel: 01822 813659 or .

LENT SERVICE - On Friday 8th February our children participated in a Lent Service at St Peter’s church Meavy and as usual the children’s behaviour was exemplary as we thought about this very special time.

SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN - The school Travel Plan is now complete and has been sent for accreditation. There will be a sum of money granted to us which will fund any improvements identified in the plan. The School Council will be involved in decisions taken.

BIRDWATCH - This term two classes took part in the national survey in January

EASTER SERVICE - We are holding an Easter Service on the 19th March at St Peter’s Church Meavy at 9.15 am and the whole community are welcome to attend and come back to school afterwards to enjoy Hot Cross Buns and coffee.

SHELTER BOXES - We had a presentation by the police on Wednesday 27th February in school. The children were utterly fascinated by the contents and indicated that they would like to sponsor this charity. We are asking the School Council to decide how they would like to do that.

FEBRUARY HALF TERM - Three members of the staff had a very exciting half term holiday. They attended study visits to various parts of the World. Mrs Price Lewis and Miss Woods went to Sri Lanka and Mr Parkin went to Cologne in Germany. In Sri Lanka the staff saw the devastation of the tsunami at first hand and forged global partnerships with schools. As a result of the visit, the children have been involved with conservation issues and a presentation is being prepared for governors and parents at the school.

As the end of Lent is upon us and Easter approaches and we think about time we will be spending with our loved ones and the delights of Easter Sunday, we at Meavy Primary C of E School would like to wish everyone a very happy and fulfilling Easter.

Meet your Councillor

John Howells

We moved to the West Country in 1973 and lived in Horrabridge for ten years, then in Yelverton for six years, before finally moving to Dousland in 1989. Whilst living in Horrabridge as a young family we became very involved in village life. I took the first group of young people to Tilly with the newly formed Twinning Group, founded the Horrabridge Cavaliers and subsequently joined the Parish Council. I enjoyed my council work and was Chairman for several years. I still have many friends in the village and am still involved in village organisations and community projects. I must confess that I did not consider that I might ever return to Parish Council deliberations. However, a shortage of members on the Burrator Parish Council, and the regular promptings from several quarters has led me to rejoin the ranks.

I have always found being involved in community activities both stimulating and frequently rewarding. It can also be annoying and frustrating when things you want to happen seem so difficult to achieve through red tape or sheer apathy by those who should know better. My welcome as a co-opted member has been warm and generous from the existing members of the Council. Perhaps when they know me better they may have a different view, since those who know me well will testify that I tend to call a spade an agricultural weapon and can be like a dog with a bone if I think something that is not being done should be accomplished. Thus at my first full meeting I have raised the issue of the Lorries that park on the B3212 making driving hazardous and forcing people to overtake blindly into the oncoming traffic. It is something I feel strongly about, and I am delighted that council members agreed on this point and voted to write to our M.P. on the matter.

Well readers you can see I have started as I mean to carry on. There seems little point in being co-opted just to make up the numbers. I promise to do my best to see that community issues are given a strong voice. We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and I feel we all have a duty to play our part in maintaining the quality of life we currently enjoy. Hopefully you will feel that along with the existing council members I can serve you well as the “new kid on the block”.

Planning Committee Spring 2008

Doug Allison - Chair of Planning Committee

Welcome to 2008! One cannot believe it’s already March and it’s almost Meavy Oak Fair time again! We have had quite a quiet time in planning over the past 3 months with regards to new planning applications. However there has been one planning application that has caused a few ripples in Burrator along with the Knowle Terrace Application 0251/06 which is still ongoing.

That is the building of a new dwelling in Sheepstor Application 0998/07 as this has caused some concerns in the local community about its position and any possible detrimental or otherwise effect that it may have on the unique character of Sheepstor.

Quoting application numbers in my report has prompted me to remind all those parishioners who are lucky/unlucky “Please underline your preference” to be connected to the World Wide Web, that the DNPA (Dartmoor National Park Association) have a web site that holds all the current applications that are being processed so if you are interested in viewing any of the applications mentioned then click here.  Or if you do not have access to the WWW I am more than happy for people to contact me by phone, the number is on the back page of the Burrator Beacon, to discuss any application.

Walkhampton Football Club

Simon Stokes – Club Manager

Firstly all at Walkhampton F.C. would like to welcome Mike and Alison the new landlord and lady to the village who have already expressed that the pub will continue to support the team.

We have only 3 games left and should maintain our mid-table position, Mark Gibbings is still our top marksmen but Lee Wickett is close on his heels should make for an interesting run in to the last match.

Our form as of late has been a mixed bag from drubbing The Red Smith 9-1 to stumbling to a 6-6 draw with The Duke a couple of weeks ago. We have played the top 3 teams this year and without sounding too biased we have been by far the better footballing side although the results do not reflect that. We have  a couple of players improving tremendously over the year, of note are Ben Sharland who has scored a couple of crackers; his older brother Sammy whose vision has been superb alongside Stevie G "the rock" Dale's persistent dogged runs down the wings terrorising defences. Mac in the back being solid adds reassurance to our young defence, not forgetting our Captain - fantastic Quicky - 100% every time.

To get a more comprehensive view of our results and form see www.pwdcfl.co.uk.

April 6th is our last home game against Modbury, currently lying 2nd which should be a really close fought contest, all support welcome as the local press will be there. So come along and cheer us on then pop down the Wacky inn afterwards for the end of league pint…..or two!

Thanks to all who have supported us through out the season and look forward to your continued support for the next one.

Requests for Information

Mystery Plaques – Peter Swaine

I have a little mystery that I would like to solve and thought that someone in the Parish must know something. During my many walks around the parish I have noticed a couple of small aluminium plaques, each bearing a couple of lines of text, possibly religious, and which seem to be part of a numbered series.

The plaque numbered 1 is attached to the end of a wall adjacent the disused railway track near Horseyeatt and reads:

1

"The View of A Lifetime

When one follows a path through the wilderness that is living.

And it seems set along a course so apparent of pre-set destiny."  

The plaque numbered 4 is attached to the outside of the Walkhampton Churchyard wall and reads:

4

"Thus so, the oft' dull trek they undertook was made sweet as any fruit.

Until one's vanished heartbeat caused the other's breath to gasp its last."  

I would be very grateful if anyone could let me know a) The source of the texts, b) Who put the plaques there, when and why and c) Where numbers 2 and 3 are located, and if there are any more. Thank you in anticipation, Peter Swaine, 3 Blackbrook Close, and Walkhampton. tel. 852006

Editor’s note – Peter has promised to write an article for a future edition about these plaques

Family History – Colin Ware

My Great Great Grandfather was Nicholas Ware, who ran the Royal Oak around 1839 to 1841.  Prior to that he was in Brixton and Ditsworthy Warren and in 1819 married Sarah Hake (1797-1834) who is I believe, buried in Sheepstor church yard. Nicholas then married his second wife Margaret King Creber in 1836 and was with her at the Royal Oak.  I am struggling to get more information about Sarah and her origin, and of Nicholas' parents.

At the moment I am unable to travel to the area due to finacial and physical constraints, so, I was wondering if there is anyone in Meavy / Sheepstor who might be kind enough to record head stone inscriptions for me.  I believe there may be other Ware family members buried in the church yard, information about whom would help me piece the story together a bit more. Colin Ware,  35 Mayflower Avenue, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1BU, 01728 603754

Burrator Coins – Lindy Scott

I have been investigating some coins that I found in my late fathers belongings. I used the internet and came up with the Burrator Beacon in the spring of 2004 talking about one of these coins being returned to it rightful place. To my delight I am in possession of not one but two of the coins given out on the opening day of Burrator.

I don’t know how my father came to have these coins but would love to know a more about these coins. If anyone has any information about them I would love to hear from you.  

Nordic Walking – New Sport on Dartmoor

Susanne Martin – Drake’s Dartmoor

Members of Drake’s Dartmoor enjoyed an introductory taster session to the newest sport on Dartmoor last Wednesday afternoon around Yelverton. The introduction to Dartmoor of this relatively new sport was a result of my meeting Elaine Sylvester, a Nordic Walking instructor and Dartmoor National Park Guide. It was the final impetus I needed to introduce my father’s favourite physical activity into this area for locals and visitors alike. Nordic Walking is very popular in other European countries, especially in my native Germany and its neighbours Austria and Switzerland.

The sport developed from the summer training of cross-country skiers in Scandinavia and offers an all round fitness training that is only equalled by rowing. It uses 90% of muscles, especially the upper body, whereas running for example uses 70%. Walking with poles is 40-50% more effective than normal walking. It burns around 400 calories an hour and reduces stress to hips, knees and ankles, so that it provides a safe stamina training for all ages and fitness levels.

The new initiative has been supported by the 5x30 Project, which encourages and supports local communities to be ‘More Active, More Often’ by promoting physical activity and healthy living. Elaine and I hope that Nordic Walking will not only be a new physical activity for local people, but also an extra reason for visitors to come to Dartmoor, either to learn the new sport or experience the National Park’s beauty and versatility.

Courses available for the moment are on Mondays 10.00 – 12.00 am, Thursdays 10.00 - 12.00 am and Thursdays 7.00 - 9.00 pm. Contact Elaine on 01822 615513 or by , or visit the website www.drakesdartmoor.co.uk for details.

Dates for your Calendar

Remember to set your events dates as soon as possible and send to the editor for inclusion in the next edition which will have dates up to December and into 2009.

Notices

Parish Council Meetings

Full Council Meetings are usually held at 7:30pm on the last Thursday of the month (but not always!), the dates of the next few are: 24 April Walkhampton 29 May Walkhampton Annual Parish Meeting 26 June Meavy

Details of the subcommittee 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.

Supermarket Vouchers for Schools

The major supermarkets regularly give away vouchers for schools, currently Tesco has computer vouchers. Please say yes to the vouchers, and save them for your local school, either Walkhampton or Meavy. Pop them along to the school or give them to someone who has a child at the school. They really do help in obtaining equipment for the children.

Parish Walk

The next Parish Council Walk is on Saturday 26th April, starting at 10 am from the car park at Cadover Bridge. The walk is through North Wood and Plym valley woods to Shaugh Bridge, along the River Meavy to Dewerstone Cottage, up to Dewerstone Rock via the tramway and back over Wigford Down to Cadover. We look forward to having many of you join us, whatever the weather!

For more details see Spring Walk.

Meavy Oak Fair

Saturday 21st June 2pm Fun for all!

including BBQ, Hog Roast, Cream Teas, Ice Creams, Games, Coconut Shy, Craft Stalls, Produce, Cakes, Rifle Range, Skittles, Bouncy Castle, Family Dog Show and Ferret Racing

For details contact Jenny Sharp 853652

Meavy Friendship Group

Jumble Sale

Meavy Parish Hall, Saturday 5th April 1pm
Cakes, Clothes, Bric–a–Brac, Books, Toys
Jumble to Hall before 12 on day or ring Val on 855909 to arrange collection

Meavy Friendship Group

Beetle Drive

Meavy Parish Hall, 18th April 6pm 
£2 adults, £1 Children (5–14)
Family fun for all ages - Prizes, Raffle, Refreshments
Tickets and information – Jenny Sharp 853652 Tickets also on the door

Meavy Parish Hall

Quiz Night

Friday 16th May 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

St Mary’s Church, Walkhampton

Church Fete

Saturday 17th May – 12 noon Walkhampton Memorial Hall
Stalls, Cakes, Books, Plants, Games, Barbeque, Grand Draw, Teas, Car Park

for more details contact Chrissie Brannagan 853150

Walkhampton Community Play Park

PLANT SALE

Sunday 18th May – 2pm
Walkhampton Memorial Hall Refreshments available Car Park

for more details contact Pam Kitchin 853992

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
www.morrisbros.co.uk

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

NICOLA MOULE

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

Kingsmead, Burrator Road, Dousland  PL20 6LU

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.

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 5th June for the next edition to be published at the end of June 2008.
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 Beacon Advert Rates. 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.