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Summer 2001 |
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Summer 2001 |
Another year has passed by on our Parish Council calendar. We express our thanks to Michael Parle, the outgoing Chairman, for all his hard work in setting up the web site and putting the Burrator BEACON on the internet. I would like to thank him and the rest of the Burrator BEACON committee for the hours spent putting the newsletter together; Don Brown for the typing and computer lay-out; all the contributors of articles and adverts; last but certainly not least all the people who give their time delivering the Burrator BEACON whatever the weather.
Our new Council Chairman is Mrs Ann Ellis. We wish her every success.
Finally we would particularly welcome news items and stories of interest from Meavy and Dousland for future issues. Articles for the Autumn edition by the end of August.
There have been a number of resignations from the Council - Mike Dobson, stalwart of the new Footpaths Committee, Elizabeth Loosmore (who remains as Council representative on the Board of Governors at Lady Modiford's School), and Deborrah McCann having departed. Grateful thanks must be extended for the interest they have shown in the Parish.
Thanks are also extended in advance to the ready and willing replacements who have been co-opted onto the Council (phone numbers etc. on back page).
Representing Meavy are David Hooper and Debby Measures, whilst Walkhampton has gained Chris Morley and Gerry Falvey. All have been local residents for many years and bring to the Council a wide variety of background experiences and skills which are available to everyone to draw-upon as needed. I look forward to working with them.
Finally, perhaps trivial to some but irritating and foolish by the perpetrator is the removal of the safety sign in the Walkhampton Bus Shelter. Someone has bothered to take along the necessary spanners to remove the four rawlbolts that secured it and steal the sign. What a pity this person doesn't spend their time doing something worthwhile rather than moronic and anti-social.
This popular event will be held on the Walkhampton Memorial Field from noon on Saturday 14th July. There will be all the usual fair attractions, including a Fire Service display. Dartmoor Rescue and the National Park caravan will be in attendance.
This year there will be a Wild West Spectacular as the main event, plus other features such as a prize draw and a selection of refreshments.
Make a note in your diary and come along for an afternoon of fun.
A Thanksgiving service was held on April 4th at St. Peter's Church Meavy for Caroline, who grew up in Dousland and whose father Jimmy served on the Parish Council.
She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
A service was held on April 7th at Walkhampton Church for the internment of the ashes of Mrs Oldham.
She had lived at the family home, Te Whare, Dousland for many years and was very involved in all aspects of community life. Her late husband had been warden at Walkhampton Church for a number of years.
Our condolences go to her family.
A pilot scheme to bring greater independence to disabled people in Devon by helping them to arrange and pay for their own care packages is being hailed a major success by its users.
The Direct Payments scheme which began in January 1998 is now enabling 40 Devon residents with physical impairments to take control of the care and support they need themselves with the support of social services.
The success of the scheme so far means that Devon County Council Social Services will now be looking to expand this option to more clients.
The radical scheme, which was first put forward by disabled people in the Independent Living Movement, means that money available for the care of an individual is paid directly to the disabled person. This means each individual can arrange and manage the exact assistance they require instead of it being purchased on their behalf by social services.
From Devon County Council, February 2001
Since our last issue, South West Water have been active again with their ambitions for Burrator Lodge at Burrator Reservoir.
In April the Parish Council's planning committee received a set of drawings showing revised plans for the Lodge along with planning applications to provide a refreshment area and interpretation room on the ground floor of the building; a ranger's flat and office on the first floor; and a new toilet block. There could be a car park on the site of the old corrugated green store which would be demolished.
The supporting literature to the resubmitted applications made it clear the Water Authority felt its revised bid would fall in line with the views of the Planning Inspector who had a few months ago refused similar proposals.
All the points which the Inspector had objected to had been removed from these new applications. Even so, there very quickly came the usual outcry and furious response from the public and groups which seek to preserve the natural beauty of the moor.
Front page headlines in local newspapers reported the matter was again causing widespread resentment and suddenly and unexpectedly, South West Water withdrew its plans.
Whether the authority has once and for all given up its aims for the lodge only time will tell.
Devon County Road Safety Group is encouraging parents to think about the safety of their children when travelling by car-and to take steps to ensure that their child's car seat is fitted properly and safely.
As a service to parents across the county-and in support of a Government campaign to raise awareness of the issue-road safety fieldworkers set up drop in centres where seats were checked and advice given.
This free service between February 5th and February 9th was hosted by garages across Devon. Road safety fieldworkers, who worked alongside colleagues from the police and the garages, have been trained to spot inappropriate or poorly fitted safety seats and offer advice on suitable seats and techniques for installing them properly. Previous checks by Devon County Council officers have indicated that a high percentage of car seats are improperly fitted and could prove dangerously ineffective in the event of a crash.
For further information telephone 01392 382590
From Devon County Council, February 2001
Foot and mouth has continued to have a devastating effect on the agricultural and tourist industries of Devon in the last few months but hope is at hand that the end is in sight. Dartmoor may reopen to the public shortly after July 1st - if there are no further outbreaks of the awful disease.
While others have suffered terribly, we in Burrator have been blessed with no outbreaks on farms in our parish. This has largely been achieved through the co-operation of the public in keeping off the moors and respecting the closure notices at footpaths, bridle-ways and car parks in the locality. Even so, the restrictions have brought hardship to pubs, hotels, shops, trades-people and others who rely on the business brought by visitors and holidaymakers to this region.
The first Bank Holiday weekend in May thankfully saw some increase in visitor activity in the area when we enjoyed a burst of good weather. At Burrator Reservoir South West Water opened its arboretum and car park near Norsworthy Bridge giving some of us the first opportunity of at least being able to walk with the moors in view above us.
As I write there is talk of more and more footpaths being opened soon in Devon and Cornwall. We can only hope that the worst is truly over and we wish everyone a prosperous summer season.
The Annual Art and Craft Exhibition will be held this year from Thursday 30th August until Sunday 2nd September at the Walkhampton Memorial Hall. It is open from 10am. to 7pm. on Thurs, Fri, & Saturday and from 10am. to 5pm. on Sunday.
There will be around 500 pictures to choose from and a wide range of craft items for sale as well as refreshments.
Entry is free, but a box will be available for donations to the Dartmoor Rescue Group. A commision is taken on all items sold which provides a dedicated fund for the upkeep and improvement of the Memorial Hall.
For further information contact Michael D'Oyly on 01822-852268
considered by the Planning Committee on 5th June
The Parish Council have considered an application by Mr. R Gibbings of Walkhampton to turn the land between the forge and the old Chapel into residential development. It was agreed in principle with the proviso that part of the land should be affordable housing for local people.
A more detailed application will be considered when submitted
An application was received from Brisworthy Water Reserves (known as Cadover Lakes, Shaugh Prior) for a new toilet facility at Cadover for the angling club. It was felt by the planning committee that this would set a precedent for other clubs on Dartmoor and would be out of keeping in such an area.
An application was received for detailed planning permission from Mr. Sparkes for 2 detached houses adjacent to 1-2 New Cottages, Meavy. 3 members of the public raised objections. The planning committee opposed the application citing various drawbacks.
It is sad to learn that another casualty of Foot and Mouth this year is this ancient ceremony dating back to the 1690's.
In essence the Fyshinge Feaste is believed to have originated in Elizabethan times and is an annual act of homage to Sir Francis Drake in respect of his construction of the leat in the 16th Century. Drake cut the first sod in December 1590.The leat itself was simply a ditch about 7 feet wide and 17 miles long but it sufficed to convey the water to Plymouth for the next 300 years. For two days in 1660 the Meavy water was drained out of the conduits and replaced by wine to celebrate the "Glorious Restoration". The amount consumed over this period was never recorded!
Trout to be consumed at the luncheon were taken from the lake, which in the olden days Councillors would catch a day or two prior to the event.
The toast in water is "To the pious memory of Sir Francis Drake". Each person present drinks and repeats the same words. Another goblet is then filled with red wine and passed to the Lord Mayor by the City Treasurer and Chamberlain, the toast being "May the descendants of him who brought us water never want wine" and again the cup being passed from one to another. The Dignitaries and guests then proceed from the Head Weir to the marquee opposite the lodge and sit down to an excellent meal with an orchestra playing in the background.
It is the one occasion in our Parish Council Chairman's year of office when he/she is expected to wear the chain of office (a medallion hanging on a ribbon). This always ensures that a great deal of interest is shown and questions asked about our Parish.
There have been occasional cancellations over the years for financial reasons. Guests have had to pay for their own tickets for some time although we have long thought that, as Plymouth is visiting our "patch", then the 2 tickets for the P.C.Chairman and guest and the 2 tickets for the clerk and guest should be with the compliments of the Water Authority/ Plymouth City Council!
Some people have complained that this ceremony is a waste of money but, like the Monarchy, isn't it important to continue an English tradition which can claim to be one of the oldest in the country?
The annual show will take place at the Memorial Hall, Walkhampton on Saturday August 25th this year, opening at 2-30pm by Mr.S.Fraser of the Garden House. Schedules can be obtained from local shops.
Please come and support the only comprehensive garden show in the grouped parish, covering Flowers, Veg, Fruit, Cookery, Crafts and Flower Arranging plus all Children's Classes which are free to enter.
The show is open to all residents in the Parishes of Walkhampton, Meavy, Sheepstor, Sampford Spiney, Horrabridge and Buckland Monachorum.
We have plenty of free parking and a marquee for refreshments.
We look forward to seeing you. Enquiries to Mike Dobson - 01822-852937
This is a new income tax relief for people who have at least one child under 16 living with them. It starts on 6th April 2001 and could reduce the income tax you need to pay by a maximum of £442. The child must be under 16 at the start of the tax year, but you get it for the whole of that year. You do not get it for each child, just one amount.
It is not a payment to you but a way of reducing the tax you actually pay. If neither of you in a couple pays higher rate tax, either can claim. But if one or both DOES pay higher rate tax, the one with the higher income claims. Working Families Tax Credit is an actual extra payment for working families on a low income.
The Children's Tax Credit Helpline is on 0845-300-1036.
Tavistock CAB. is working in association with Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council and Devon Welfare Rights Unit to deliver a welfare rights campaign. They will be offering a service to families and those in the farming community to make sure they are getting all the benefits they are entitled to.
If necessary, workers will be able to make home visits to the housebound. The telephone number to contact the campaign is 01822 616368.
For further information on either of the above contact Tavistock Citizens Advice Bureau at; Kingdon House, North Street, Tavistock, Telephone 01822 612359.
Opening Hours: 10.30-1.30pm. Mon. Tues. Thurs. Fri. Telephone only - Wed. 10.30 - 1.30pm.
Did you know that most Citizens Advice Bureau workers are volunteers?
We welcome applications from members of the public to join our team. Free training and travelling expenses given.
An original pen and ink sketch by Robert Lenkiewicz of a young man named Blackie, drawn in his early days, has been very kindly donated anonymously to raise funds for Walkhampton Church. (Some consideration is being given to extending the car parking area). The drawing has been mounted and framed free of charge by Anna of Hyde Park Framers and signed on the back by Robert.
We would like realistic bids in excess of £200 for this collector's item.
Ring Ted on 01822-853435. The closing date will be 31st July.
Amelia & Bill Crocker celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their two sons and friends at a luncheon at their home in Walkhampton on 24th March.Instead of the customary presents they asked that donations be given to St.Lukes Hospice.
Bill is a warden at Walkhampton Church and he and Amelia are always to be seen at church functions manning stalls and giving their services to the community.
Congratulations and best wishes from the Parish Council go to them both.
Many congratulations to Mrs M Partridge of Church View, Walkhampton who is the winner of the Spring 2001 competition. The answer was 1928. A £10 prize donated by the Council has been sent to her.
Our thanks to the other entrants - do keep trying.
Sorry, the Summer Quiz is not available in this internet edition. However if you can get hold of a printed copy then the question is:
Look at the front page - Where are the boys?
Answers please to the Editor by the end of August 2001. The Editor's decision is final.
It is interesting to consider how different the village shop would have been 150 years ago.
It would appear from various records that the store has existed since 1850 and probably even before then. According to White's Directory of Devon for 1850, Walkhampton had two shops owned by James Reed and John Worth. These two shops are likely to have been the Old Post Office and the present stores. By 1857 Ann Reed was running the stores on her own. The shop changed hands a number of times between 1857 and 1902 when Charles Cottell Neal took over.
There are a number of photographs from this period with the name C.C.Neal above the shop front. During the early half of the last century the shop was known to have been a grocers and drapers but it also sold drums of oil, bales of hay and rope. The shop continued to change hands every so many years through to the present. It appears always to have been run as a successful business despite more recent times when villages much larger than Walkhampton were losing their shops all over the country.
Looking back, Walkhampton Stores is essentially not very different today from 150 years ago.
(with thanks to Peter Hamilton Leggett)
Editor's footnote
The reference to the Old Post Office is a reminder of the day in 1989 when that shop closed for the last time, and the following day some strong villagers helped move the P.O. safe which weighed in the region of 12cwt.to its new home in the present P.O.
Seeing the front cover of the Beacon Spring 2001 brought back memories.
I was born in 1922 but I'm sure the village looked the same as in 1915. My first five years were spent in a house at the top of Back Town behind the old Post Office, where the young doctors now live. There were two cottages and next door to us lived a family called Gregory. On Saturday evenings a stream of men would come for a haircut sitting on a chair in their doorway.
Back Town was our playground, the trough opposite Southside was full of water running on down to the brook, we were often wet through from a ducking there. When I was 5 years old we moved to Doiran, the bungalow my father had built in Yelverton Road. We had a lovely swing and a big garden. This was the beginning of new houses in the village. Knowle Terrace was built and the young mens club (now demolished), Timbers and the buildings up the Yelverton Road.
Happy Days.
Editors Footnote
I had hoped the front page photo of Walkhampton would awake memories for local people and as usual Joan has come up trumps. Her letter brings alive the village scene of yesteryear. Many thanks Joan.
PTA's everywhere perform a great service for schools, both in terms of fund-raising and organising social events, which bring everyone together as a family.
The PTA at Walkhampton is certainly no exception and every year there is a full programme of events, some of which, such as the Bonfire/Firework Display, the Christmas Bazaar with its fantastic grotto and the Summer Fair, entertain the whole community. Other events such as Discos and Beetle Drives are more school orientated. The PTA organises a Swimming Club during the summer months and this provides pleasure for many.
Money raised by the PTA greatly benefits the school and £5500 has been provided recently to improve the swimming pool and to enhance the school's ICT capability. The committee, this year chaired by Adrian Miles, always works very hard, but has a lot of fun as well-which is how it should be.
We at school look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.
A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned into salt."
His son asked, "What happened to the flea?"
(Taken from Roundabout April 2001, with thanks)
Various problems in the grouped Parish have been put on hold because of the F. & M. outbreak. Although we have been very lucky the Authorities have not wanted to tempt fate by sending in teams of workmen. Road surfaces at Woodmans Corner and other parts of the parish will be attended to as soon as possible.
We have been very impressed with the way most people have observed the restrictions. It has been hard on all of us not being able to wonder at will across the moor.
Our thanks to you all for your co-operation.
The following church notices have all been (allegedly) submitted in Church bulletins in the past. We feel sure that none could be attributed to our own dear clergymen and women.
Don't let worry kill you. Let the Church help.
Thursday night is potluck supper, prayer and medication to follow.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a Nursery downstairs.
This afternoon there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the church.
Children will be baptised at both ends
Terry Wright Tel. 01822 852275 |
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BURRATOR BEACON EDITOR Ted Whitehead, Moorland House, Golf Links Road, Yelverton PL20 6BN Tel.01822 853435
EDITORIAL TEAM Anne Ellis, Elizabeth Hopson, Keith Scrivener INTERNET EDITION EDITOR Michael Parle
Published and issued quarterly, free of charge by Burrator Parish Council. Copy to be sent to the Editor by the end of month prior to publication. Next edition published in September.
Advertising
The charge for adverts is £10 per advert per single issue or £24 per advert four 4 issues. One full page advert costs £30 per 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.
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 Mike Spry 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.
