Summer 2003

Moor fire threat to Burrator

Keith Scrivener

Assurances have been given by South West Lakes Trust that fire precautions are in place to deal with the possibility of a moorland fire spreading to the forest plantations around Burrator Reservoir and causing any threat to property in the area. In the very dry weather conditions this spring, two large grass fires occurred in the Sheepstor moorland district of the parish, one bringing serious concern.

The first at Higher Hartor Tor on Sunday March 30 was finally contained by firefighters after an all-day battle on the moor which saw many fire engines racing through Sheepstor village.

But the second blaze on Wednesday April 23rd was even bigger and in fact became reported as the largest such conflagration seen on Dartmoor for 10 years. Sixty firemen struggled all day to stop the flames which started south of Princetown and which were being fanned by a fierce easterly wind towards Burrator. A Devon Fire Brigade spokesman said that at one point in the incident there had been a real threat to properties in the area. Choking fumes and black smoke drifted over the Burrator Reservoir and Sheepstor village for most of the day and the pungent cloud and air pollution spread far enough to reach the neighbouring villages of Meavy, Walkhampton, Yelverton and Buckland Monachorum. Up on Dartmoor, widespread damage was done on the ground and a large moorland area of special scientific interest at Holne was destroyed. Police believe the fire may have been started deliberately.

The day after the fire, Burrator Parish Council discussed the blaze at its monthly meeting and it was agreed to ask South West Lakes Trust, which manages the woodlands around Burrator, to create fire breaks in the Narrator and Beechcroft plantations south of the reservoir. Councillors believed this would help stop the spread of any future blaze which might reach the lakeside forests and would also provide a space for fire crews and fire fighters to set up a defensive line among the trees.

The Head of Countryside Service for South West Lakes Trust Lee Hembrow gave a number of assurances after the recent fire. He said: “I do appreciate concerns expressed regarding the risks of fire in this heavily-used public amenity.”

He said the Trust does have fire procedures for the forests. It also has close contacts with Dartmoor National Park Authority and with the fire authority, and on the day of the recent fire they were in close liaison with both those organisations.

He added: “As part of the exercise of drawing up a new management plan for the land we manage at Burrator, we are reviewing the current forestry management practices. This will include re-examining fire risks. The Parish Council is represented on the Burrator Advisory Group. At the next meeting of that Group, revision of the forestry plans will be on our agenda.”

Meanwhile, all who work and farm on the moor and those who enjoy the area as a recreational facility are urged to take continued care in the summer months ahead. Particularly if we enjoy a long hot summer.

Editorial

Ted Whitehead

With local elections over, we have a new Chairman, Keith Scrivener and express our best wishes to him for the year ahead. Nicholas Waterhouse and I both stood down from the Council, although I will be continuing as Editor of the Burrator Beacon. I had done 14 years on the Council and thought it time to make way for others.

The Grouped Council is now split into wards and Walkhampton Village has only 3 Councillors, so in order to make way for a keen newcomer Derek Lavers agreed to be co-opted onto Walkhampton (Dousland)!

Our new Borough Councillor is Diana Moyse who was some time ago the Clerk to this Council. We look forward to her input into the area.

Articles for the Autumn edition by the 15^th August please.

Chairman’s Report

Keith Scrivener

Burrator Parish Council began its new year of business with its Annual Meeting at the end of May at which I was elected as chairman. Ann Ellis stepped down from the chair at that meeting after ably serving in office for the last two years and the council thanks her deeply for her leadership and attention to duty during that period.

As a representative for Sheepstor, I am particularly proud and pleased that my fellow councillors gave me their vote of confidence as I feel it is good to see a Sheepstor name at the parish helm once again after an absence of a number of years.

In the four years that I have been a member of the Parish Council we have seen some interesting times and have had some lively debates about planning matters, highway problems, and village life in general around Meavy, Dousland, Walkhampton and Sheepstor. I am sure the year ahead will bring further causes for us to concern ourselves with - and probably the usual surprises that seem to 'nip out and bite you' along the way.

After the recent re-election of councillors in May, we still have a few empty seats around the council chamber. In particular I would like to see someone from Sheepstor joining me on the council by taking up the vacant second seat which is available for the village. If you feel you can devote a few hours each month for the good of the community then please contact me, or the clerk Michael Spry, for further details and we will do our best to persuade you - in the nicest possible way of course! Our contact details are on the back page.

If you do have any concerns, issues or bright ideas in the months ahead, do feel free to speak to me or your local councillor. Wishing you all the best for your community.

Clerk’s Report

Mike Spry

Planning matters have again been a major item of concern to The Parish Council, in particular the issue of Selected Rural Settlement Status and its effect on Walkhampton & Meavy. You will recall from the Spring issue that the Parish Council voted to include Walkhampton and exclude Meavy. The concern has arisen with the decision reached by the National Park Planning Committee which, on The Chairman’s casting vote, went against the advice of the Park’s Planning Officers and decided to include both “on” the list. I think it is true to say that although this was the Officer’s original intention, it was amended by them as a result of their attending the Public Meeting held in Meavy to discuss the subject with them. The overwhelming wish of those present was for Meavy’s exclusion, acknowledged by Graham Wall (chief Planning Officer) as being reflective and relevant. So it came as a shock for some to receive the decision, bringing into question the worth of public consultation. But the matter rumbles on and will do so until early next year when the Inquiry & Appeals will be heard.

At the time of writing the Meavy “new development” issue has virtually been resolved (at last) whilst a new and potentially huge problem looms for residents in Lovaton; one of the properties there has been purchased by King Edward VI School in Hampshire who have applied for Planning permission to change the use from a dwelling to that of an Outward Bound Centre. I understand there would be up to 28 people on site which just about trebles the village population in one fell swoop!! Not surprisingly, the idea of mini-bus activity, late night barbecues and the inevitable noise associated with that quantity of people (even if they were the quietest of users), quite apart from the increased traffic, lack of mains water, sewerage systems etc. mean there is unanimous opposition to the plans and the Council have Objected to the proposal. It will be interesting to see where this one goes.

The recent Borough elections have seen some changes. After over 30 years as a Councillor and 8 years as a Borough Councillor Nicholas Waterhouse retired from representing Burrator. His wealth of experience of Parish, Borough & DNPA affairs will be greatly missed, certainly by me as I have been able to draw upon, and benefit from, his experience on many occasions. The election was a “two horse” race between Parish Councillor Michael Parle and former Clerk to the Council (about 10 years ago) Diana Moyse from Lydford, with the latter winning by a fairly short head! I understand that Diana has joined the Forward Planning Committee at WDBC and will return to DNPA business as a Borough representative.

The Editor of the Burrator Beacon, Ted Whitehead, also called it a day as a Parish Councillor having done a couple of stints over the years. I think Ted’s personal records of Parish activities are more comprehensive and immediately available than those of The Council!! Ted remains as Editor where it is considered that he does a splendid job with Don & the team on producing a good informative read.

All other Councillors remained with the addition of Chas Symes representing Walkhampton; I hope he will find being a Councillor rewarding and I remind you all that there are still vacancies to be filled! At the first Meeting of the new Council, Keith Scrivener was elected as the new Chairman, with Michael Parle becoming Vice Chairman. Graham Palmer and Derek Lavers respectively remain as Chair & Vice Chair of the Planning Committee - other Committees to elect their Officers at their first Meeting.

Finally, the Council agreed a Grant & Loan to Walkhampton Memorial Hall Committee in respect of the proposed Store room extension. Part of the anticipated funding from other sources did not materialise and the Council agreed to provide a Grant of £1000 with a loan of £2000 repayable over 2 years or funding to that value over the same period should additional funding not be received. It is a very substantial amount but it was acknowledged that assistance was required. Rewardingly for those involved, all three Halls in The Parish have been steadily upgraded and improved as a direct result of the hard work and enthusiasm of their Committees and the various fund raising functions they promote, and all three appear to be getting increased use by the public. So well done all Hall Committees!

Happy hay-making and here’s to you needing Factor 30 this Summer!!

Spotlight on Burrator?

Since late Spring, BBC Radio Devon, in partnership with Devon C.C., has been on the road with a special mobile broadcast and I.T. vehicle: It brings computer access to local communities, and broadcasts live from a new village or town each day. If you have any events you would like the bus to attend, or would like publicised on air in “The Guide”, (broadcast each hour), write to “Radio Devon Guide, PO Box 1034, Exeter. 
(email radio.devon@bbc.co.uk)

Burrator Twinning Association

Visit of The French Twinning Committee Members

A. M. Ruffier.  
(Chairwoman of the French twinning committee)

Thirty three people and amongst us, the mayor of Mathieu (Mr Rousselot) and his wife came to visit their friends in the Parish of Burrator, taking chance of the long weekend of May 1st which is a bank holiday in France. As this date fell on a Thursday, the participants managed to get Friday off which really made it worthy to go to England.

We left on Wednesday 30th April and crossed the channel overnight.

On the 1st May, we chose a touristic road along the coast and stopped in Paington to eat our picnic by the sea. The weather was very sunny that day and we enjoyed our friendly lunch. Then, we stopped in Totnes, Dartington, Buckfast Abbey. We then headed to Walkhampton to meet our English friends. An aperitif was kindly served in the school. People were most happy to see each other again. We then dispatched in our hosting families and enjoyed the nice dinner cooked for us.

On Friday 2nd, the weather had unfortunately turned wet, windy and cold. Instead of doing the excursion planned to Dartmouth, Salcombe, Tragor Mills…we decided to go to Plymouth.

Saturday, the hosts entertained their guests taking them to different beautiful places such as Castle Drogo, Eden project, Cotehele, Dartmouth. Saturday night, we were taken to the restaurant “Cuisine Spontanee” in Plymouth by coach which was very comfortable. There, we had a fantastic dinner. The meal served was ever so tasteful, plentiful and nicely presented and served in such an original way. It was something unusual and we were happy to get to know this new concept of cooking in front of the customers!

Then the time of departure had rung. Our English friends came to the gathering point in Yelverton to wave us good bye. All the members who took part to this visit were very pleased. The mayor said he had been impressed by the hospitality, kindness and the way of living of the members of the English twinning committee. He also liked the landscape very much. He had only visited London but London is not England!

My friends and I were happy to strengthen the links and friendship between our two countries and I would like to say, on behalf of all the participants, how grateful we are for your wonderful welcome.

Next year, it will be your turn to cross the channel as we now work on alternate visits. We rely on you all and we will be looking forward to it. Thousand thanks again.

And from our Twinning President

Nick Shutt

The sun may not have shone, but the rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of all who took part in the weekend Our guests arrived to a reception at the school and were soon on their way to their host families, having been warmly welcomed. On Friday our guests undertook a “grand tour” of the area by car. Saturday was spent with their hosts who arranged individual programmes of outings - the Eden Project, Chagford, Padstow etc. - and in the evening 63 of us sat down to a first class meal at Cuisine Spontanee in Plymouth. The President welcomed all the French visitors, Mme. Anne-Marie Ruffier responded with a vote of thanks, and the Mayor of Mathieu, M. Rousselot, spoke warmly of the enjoyable time he had spent and the importance of the Twinning to the community of Mathieu.

All too quickly our time together drew to a close as we waved goodbye to our guests early on Sunday morning. On behalf of all the Committee may I thank everyone who hosted families or contributed to an undoubtedly successful time - we are already looking forward to a return trip to Mathieu next May!

Make contact:

Nick Shutt, the Chairman of the Burrator Twinning Association, can be contacted on 854653 or by email at Nsshutt@aol.com.

Parish Walks - In All Weathers!

Chris Morley
Chairman, Footpaths Committee

The first two Parish walks have been a great success but with such contrasting weather. A group of twenty-one joined up for the first walk in early April which started from Walkhampton. The weather was perfect with warm sunshine allowing us to walk comfortably in shirt-sleeves. The route crossed the fields above the village and then out onto the moor up to Goatstone Pond and back via Gypsy Rock and Welltown.

It was not the same experience on the May walk around Burrator. Heavy and frequent showers and mist prevailed and even the bluebells in the plantation decided it was not the weather to show off in. Fifteen of us braced the elements and although because of the conditions we modified the route slightly, we were still able to look at many of the interesting features along the way, ranging from Bronze Age antiquities, medieval farming, tin mining industry and modern day use of the moor and even seeing how many legends we all knew about Crazywell Pool. However the weather did not encourage lengthy stops to exchange ideas and information.

The next walk is scheduled for Sunday 29th June and will start from the Dartmoor Inn at Merrivale, following the footpath to Daveytown, passing the little known Hucken Tor and then circling around to take in Swelltor quarries and Merrivale antiquities. Do come along and bring your friends. The routes are designed to suit most walkers and we try and allow sufficient time that we do not need to rush. Final details will be posted on the website and on the Parish Notice Boards a week or so before. Just bring better weather, please!

Burrator Parish Walks- 2003

Chris Morley

Future Parish Walks planned for the rest of this year follow the routes of some of our many footpaths. We hope as many people as possible will join us to exchange ideas and knowledge of the wonderful area we live in.

All circular walks will start at 10:30 am on the following Sundays:

29 June - From Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale; then Hucken Tor, Daveytown, Criptor Cross, Swelltor, King’s Tor, Merrivale Antiquities, and back to Merrivale Bridge.

27 July - From Norsworthy Bridge; then Newleycombe Lake, Down Tor, Cuckoo Rock, Deancombe, Sheeps Tor, Narrator Plantation, and back to Norsworthy Bridge.

7 September - starting from The Royal Oak, Meavy - Route to be confirmed

19 October - To Be Arranged

Duration : around 2 to 3 hours dependent on the final route taken.

Full details will be on the Parish Notice Boards two weeks before each walk and hopefully in the local and regional press. If you would like to be reminded of the dates, they will also be listed in the Dartmoor Visitor throughout the summer and here on our website.

We look forward to meeting you all and visitors are most welcome. We hope also that these walks will give you the opportunity to meet and chat with some of your Parish Councillors.

Chris Morley is Chairman of the parish council Footpaths Committee.

Broadband For Yelverton

Stop Press:  As of 26th June Yelverton has 305 registrations.  This is 87% of the trigger level of 350 set by BT for the Yelverton exchange.  

Further Stop Press:  As of 5th July Yelverton has 328 registrations.  This is 94% of the trigger level of 350 set by BT for the Yelverton exchange.  

Meet Your Councillors

Gerry Falvey

Many will know that I was a policeman at Yelverton and Tavistock for some 18years and have lived in the Yelverton area since 1976, moving to Dousland in 1983.

I was raised in Modbury in the 1950’s & 60’s and I have many happy memories of village life. My mother used to take me on long walks, teaching me the names of the trees, shrubs and plants in the hedgerows and their uses as herbs, natural pesticides and fertilisers. The birdcalls, animal prints and habitats also formed part of my early education, and it became a game to test my knowledge. I was hooked on fishing for trout and eels, and it would not be unusual for me to go all day without food, as I fished on the banks of the streams that fed the River Erme. In those days there was no fear of abduction of children or worse. Nobody locked their doors and neighbours were eager to help each other. We could even play football in the side streets at reasonable times! I was taught to play whist at The Memorial Hall Whist Drives, graduating from ‘the booby’ prize to the occasional chicken dinner. It was here we had concerts and plays etc. and my first public performance as a singer was to the workmen, who were building the stage. Yes, we got up to various pranks and naughtiness, usually getting caught red handed but we didn’t steal and we didn’t damage things intentionally. We respected our parents and family and elders but most of all we respected each other, regardless of wealth or class. We were village people.

Some of my old pals still live in the village and it is good that they are able to do so. They are valuable bearers of the local history and try to keep alive the spirit and traditions of village life. Many of the old village shops and pubs are gone with the main street now over-run with art/antique shops, bistros and estate agents. There is still a Post Office but the local policeman’s house was lost several years ago, along with The Bookmakers’, the café and that holy of holies, the Fish & Chip Shop (where you could get a bag of chips for a ‘threepenny bit’!). Recycling was much in evidence because you could get tuppence back for an empty lemonade bottle. We didn’t litter the streets because we all knew that Leonard, the Councilman, would have to sweep it up and he was good at turning a blind eye to our pranks !

Development has not brought additional jobs to the village/town and the Council owns the only affordable housing. Unless one was lucky to buy before the housing boom of the late seventies or have received a bequest of a house then there is no affordable housing for locals to buy or rent. I would have liked to return to my home village but not now after its desecration.

Yes, there must be a solution to supplying affordable developments for local people to live in our villages but not at the expense of floodlit streets that block out the starlight, yellow lines to enforce considerate parking, cheaply built properties that degrade into hovels within decades, dormitory estates, whose occupants neither care nor wish to be a part of the community, or worst of all holiday homes. Real villages are made by people not buildings. Care should be taken not to spoil the charm and character of the locality, welcoming newcomers and visitors, whilst at the same time encouraging local families to remain and catering for their needs. I will urge my fellow parish councillors to this end.

I am Chairman of Finance & GP Committee, and also serve on the D.A.P.C., Police liaison, Link Committee, Lengthsman Liaison and Emergency Officer (Dousland).

Chas Symes

I am sitting in my garden, looking at Walkhampton Church and thinking how fortunate I am to be back in Devon.

I was born in Exeter in 1955, spending nineteen years in Chudleigh, where my father was headteacher of the Primary School. As with a lot of young people, opportunities at that time in Devon were sparse, so I left for college in Portsmouth, finally graduating with a Masters in Criminology, in 1982. I spent over fifteen years working in Social Services as a Criminologist and later became a qualified Social Worker and Practise Teacher of student social workers. Presently I am a Social work manager with Plymouth City Council.

Janis and I met in September 1998 and married in April 1999. I showed Janis where my grandfather lived in Gulworthy for 35 years, and where my father taught at Dolvin Road School before the Second World War.

I must have been homesick for Devon because we decided to live in Walkhampton after just one visit. We have been here nearly 4 years and feel very settled. I enjoy the hospitality of the Walkhampton Inn and the village shop. I like passing the time of day with friends on the way to the shop, pub or when I walk my three-legged dog around the lanes of Burrator Parish.

Janis and I are members of the Walkhampton Garden Society, although she is the expert on plants and shrubs - I just cut the grass as instructed!!

I wanted to join the Burrator Parish Council to contribute to our local community, helping protect the ethos of Devonian life whilst contributing to the development of the area in the 21st Century.

There are lots of issues such as planning and amenities for local people and tourists that face not only Burrator Parish, but also other parishes in Devon.

I have joined the Planning Committee and the Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GP), hopefully I will have an input into these debates

Meet Your Clerk

Mike Spry

Unbelievably 56 years old (must be younger), 6 foot tall, and half tidy-looking (so I’m told) with a mop of snowy white hair!

Plymouth born & educated at St. Boniface’s College, Plymouth School of Navigation & Taunton Tech, I became a junior Accountant with an agricultural firm in Bridgwater, but within twelve months (& pay attention you boaty readers out there) got a similar job at Hurley Marine, leaving to become a Cost Accountant at Philips in Dartmouth where I dealt with Chay Blyth’s “British Steel” project; I became a Yacht broker with them - that’s the nautical equivalent of being an estate agent although you were allowed to be nice with it. I went to the International Boat Show in Hamburg in ’73 with the first Moody 33, and started our own firm in 1978 (for a time with my brother & wife’s cousin) called Barbican Yachts and subsequently built just over 80 bearing that class name, whilst selling new yachts as an Agent. That meant I got to know virtually every Estuary and harbour in Devon & Cornwall, but it had its down-side. I have been up some very beautiful creeks, but always with a paddle! I spent a lot of time yacht racing; for a number of years I shared a dinghy catamaran with a friend hammering around locally & being a bit of a nautical hooligan in “Truly Amazing” - at the time it was!! Racing bigger yachts in the Solent was good fun and I often raced in the same class as Ted Heath with his beautiful “Morning Clouds”. I did a couple of Fastnet’s, the second ending in ignominy when we lost the rudder on the rocks trying to creep past Portland Bill at night inside the tide-line, retiring chastened to Weymouth. I eventually finished with yachts etc in 1999.

I married my lovely “Bournemouth Belle” Trish in 1973 and her excellent job with Barclay’s (which she left 5 years ago) and sensible approach to the financial side of life (helped in no small way by an intended lack of children) enabled me to indulge myself in both business and pleasure.

We think we were fantastically lucky to find and buy Mole End, where we live, 18 years ago and we greatly enjoy life in this beautiful setting with our two Golden Retrievers, Candy & Floss, whilst Rodney Rocket, our VW Camper van, enables us to spend our holidays trolling around Europe, much of it in France as we are firm Francophiles!! An almost total aversion to flying (by me) has sadly limited our activities to the near mainland.

I have very much enjoyed the diverse work I have dealt with in the 5 years that I have been Clerk. The decision making and responsibilities lie with the Councillors, who in my experience, are a great bunch of volunteers. This, together with being Secretary of The Forest of Dartmoor Commoners Association (the largest Commoners Association in England), keeps me “out of mischief” as they say!

Babblings from Sheepstor brook

Keith Scrivener

Villagers waded in with gusto when called upon for an afternoon of stream weeding and clearing along the banks and waterbeds of Sheepstor Brook in the merry month of May.

Neither showers from above nor the flowing water underfoot dampened the enthusiasm as a band of volunteers pulled on their ‘wellies’ and took the plunge to heave out a cartload of water hemlock from the village’s beautiful brook below St Leonard’s Church and along the lane to Collytown.

The clear waters of the stream can now be enjoyed by everyone who walks the lane through the village and the water flow should be good and clear for the summer duck race!

This should be one of the many events at a summer fete being planned for Saturday August 16 this year. After the much enjoyed Party In The Paddock last Jubilee year, the village hall committee has decided to organise another similar event for residents and friends, with a barbecue, games, music and raffle - ducks will be provided for the water race (no need to bring your own).

Later in the year, a slide show on the subject of National Trust properties followed by a curry and stew supper, is planned for a date in October in St Leonard’s hall.

The village hall and church will also be the venue for another interesting event on Saturday November 8 when teams of church bell ringers from West Devon will take part in a bell ringing competition using the six bells of St Leonard’s Tower. Anyone who can help provide the ringers with a modest tea and catering should please contact Mr Peter Legassick.

On a different note, the village hall committee has decided to try to revive the ancient custom of ‘Beating the Bounds’ of the old parish of Sheepstor. At the hall committee’s annual meeting in May this suggestion was put forward and a day is currently being arranged in early autumn to walk the old parish perimeter and finish with afternoon tea in the village hall. Older inhabitants of the village say they can’t remember the bounds being walked in living memory and certainly not since the village was incorporated into the larger Burrator parish in 1973.

Anyone interested in this and other Sheepstor events should contact any of the hall committee members for details, or keep an eye on the village notice board.

Obituaries

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

Eva Lamerton

It is with regret that we record the passing of Eva Lamerton who died on April 16th. The Funeral service was held at Walkhampton Church on May 1st.
Eva’s presence at village events will be sorely missed.

Ronald Lambert 

He died April 19th and his committal was at St Peter’s, Meavy.

Dr. Michael Fell 

Who died June 8th. Thanksgiving Service at St Peter’s Meavy June 13th.

Our condolences go to their families and friends.

Memorial Seat For Elizabeth Hopson

Evelyn Stacey
(Director, South West Lakes Trust)

Thursday 22nd May saw a gathering of the Trustees of South West Lakes Trust at Burrator Lodge. During the summer months their Board meetings are held at various reservoirs (we look after 50 inland waters around the region) to give them the opportunity to get first hand knowledge of the sites in our care. Being at Burrator gave us a chance to dedicate a memorial seat for Elizabeth Hopson. Together with Bill Hopson, Ted Whitehead and Keith Scrivener, six of our Trustees, I and some of my colleagues visited the arboretum and walked the short distance from the car park to Elizabeth's seat. Facing Sheepstor and in a peaceful spot, this bench will, I hope, provide a resting place and somewhere to reflect for her many friends or for anyone visiting the arboretum for many years to come.

Trustees Cairns Boston, Roger Preston, Peter Briens, Peter Bartlett and David Robertson had only come to know Elizabeth relatively recently but she had made her mark with them. They all felt it was really important to remember her in some way. She became one of the first 'Friends' of the Lakes Trust and attended our events, including our first birthday party at Roadford Lake, when she gave the Trustees the benefit of her advice and, no doubt, took them to task for not making enough progress in their endeavours!

I was fortunate to have known Elizabeth for 20 years or so, initially in connection with Burrator - I think one of our earliest conversations was about whether some local boy scouts should be allowed to canoe on Burrator. In the last few years, however, she had become interested in the lakes in a wider sense. When I first talked with her about the daunting task of setting up our charity from scratch, she gave me a great deal of encouragement and plenty of wise advice. Right up until her untimely passing, she wanted to be kept up to date with Trust business and I never ceased to be amazed at her energy and interest.

For Trustee Keith Bungay, there were even longer memories going back over thirty years, when he had been an officer of Dartmoor National Park Authority. Keith made a very touching address about Elizabeth, remembering her dedication to the parish, to Dartmoor and to the wider community. He reminisced about her wonderful sense of humour, how she would always speak her mind and how her door was always open (and as like as not, something stronger than tea was on offer!). Above all, he drew attention to the inscription on the plaque.

I was so pleased that we could share the occasion with Bill and two of Elizabeth's closest friends, remembering a great lady.

In memory of a true friend of Dartmoor

Keith Scrivener

A PUBLIC seat has been placed among the trees in Sheepstor arboretum to the memory of Elizabeth Hopson, a former resident and Parish Council stalwart for the village who died in November 2001.

The bench seat was given by South West Lakes Trust and dedicated to Elizabeth as “a friend and supporter of the trust who loved this place.”

At a small ceremony around the seat, Trust member Mr Keith Bungay said: “Elizabeth was a lovely lady who was dedicated to defending this area and who was a great supporter of the Trust, being one of our founding members - if not the very first member. It was a joy and pleasure to know her and she was a resolute worker for the Dartmoor, Burrator and Sheepstor communities.”

As well as being a past chairman of Burrator Parish Council, Elizabeth Hopson was also a former chairman of West Devon Council and a member of the Dartmoor National Park Authority. In all she served in local government for around 40 years. Mr Bungay said it was only fitting that this seat was placed in this spot facing up to Sheeps Tor, a place which Elizabeth loved so much. “I think she would have enjoyed sitting here on a sunny day, perhaps with a glass of wine, looking up at Sheeps Tor,” he said.

Our photograph shows Elizabeth’s husband Mr Bill Hopson sitting left on the seat with Trust Executive Director Evelyn Stacey. Mr Bungay is standing to the right with other members of the Trust, including its chairman Mr Cairns Boston, third from the right.

Backalong - Meavy Church and Oak

from The South Devon Monthly Museum, 1834

THE pencil of Mr. N. M. Condy has again furnished us with the subject of a frontispiece, which, it is probable, may prove interesting to many of our readers —not only as a graphic delineation, but as a memento of Auld Lang Syne.

The secluded hamlet of Meavy is situated in a broad valley, on the very edge of the great Devonshire moor. It consists of a few neat cottages and an antique church, surrounded by the “last home” of many a moorland peasant. 

Immediately in front of the church-yard wall is the gigantic Meavy Oak. This venerable tree, though it has suffered from the touch of age, still continues proudly magnificent. It is of an extraordinary circumference, and is completely hollowed out by the slow but never-failing operations of time. The cavity, as is affirmed by mine hostess of the “Royal Oak”, a little inn standing hard by, once accommodated nine persons at a dinner party: it is now used as a turf house. The lower branches still obey the voice of spring, and spread their living canopy over a large area of ground. The topmost boughs, however, are bare, having long ceased to be hung with the massive foliage which they bore in the days of their young lusthood. Over them the all-conquering hand of time has indeed achieved a perfect victory.

The church contains no monuments of particular interest; a neat tablet is placed near the altar, to the memory of Mrs. Jope, wife of Rev. George Jope.

The only “hostel” in the village is “The Royal Oak” which, though of humble exterior, affords comfortable acccomodation (sic) to the way-worn traveller. In summer this is a halting place for amateur fishermen who stroll from the neighbouring towns to try their piscatorial skill in the waters of the Plym. He who is fond of studying character in the kitchen of a country inn cannot do better than spend a winter’s evening by the blazing peat fire of “The Royal Oak”, for it will afford him a fine opportunity of remarking the peculiarities of the untutored children of the moor; and perchance he may be treated with a tale of the pixies which are said to haunt the rugged brow of Sheepstor.

At a short distance from the church are two layers of wrought granite blocks, placed octagonally, the outer edge of the upper layer being about a foot within that of the lower; these stones doubtless formed the basement of a cross although, in their present mutilated state, every vestige of that structure has disappeared. Numerous similar remains exist at present in the neighbourhood; the large and most perfect is at Buckland Monachorum, but as in the present case, the shaft, which it supported has been destroyed.

Editor’s Note
The front page engraving and this article are taken from Devon Library Service’s new website containing 3,500 engravings of local architecture and landscape. 
Go to www.devon.gov.uk/library/locstudy/etched.html  

Summertime

With the warmer weather and hopefully long balmy days, people want to open their windows, sit out in the garden and enjoy al fresco meals. Please think of your neighbours - loud music offends, and if you must have a bonfire leave it as late as possible. Enjoy your garden and let your neighbours enjoy theirs.

Walkham Senior Citizens Party Fund

Syd Fairchild (Ex Treasurer)

The last Christmas Party financed by the Fund was held in December 1998 but there had been a reluctance to dispose of the assets in the hope that volunteers would come forward to fill the void, following the sad loss of Margaret Lamerton, Chairperson of the Fund Committee and the move away from the area by the Treasurer. Volunteers have not been forthcoming and the Committee decided in March to re-allocate the equipment and the cash held on deposit. The aim was that, by and large, Senior Citizens of the parish could still obtain some benefit from the re-allocation. The following decisions were unanimous.

Walkhampton Memorial Hall A cash donation of £200 plus items that have been stored in the hall:-Glasses, Sherry Glasses, Soup Plates, Bone China Cups and Saucers. The money will be used towards the purchase of new small tables.

Walkhampton Forum A cash donation of £200.

Walkhampton Playgroup A cash donation of £32-21, the balance of the cash assets of the fund including interest earned.

Lady Modiford’s School A quantity of cutlery for the use of the school and P.T.A. and NOT to be included in any Education Authority inventory.

Lady Modiford’s School P.T.A. Bingo Equipment-(turning machine, balls and ball holder) for future fund raising events.

May I, on behalf of our late chairperson Margaret, thank everyone who has assisted with parties and especially the committee members - past and present - who have put in much hard work to ensure the success of parties and other events. Finally, a BIG THANKYOU to all who supported our events, by attending and contributing to the various fund raising activities. We trust you enjoyed them.

Editor’s Note
I would like to express our thanks to Mavis & Syd for all their hard work over so many years.

Walkhampton Community Play Park

Pam Kitchin

A working group in Walkhampton are raising money to build a play park in the recreation field. We have held a jumble sale, Easter egg hunt and a bonnet competition, a bluebell walk and a plant sale, with lots of other events planned. In due course we intend to approach various organisations for grants.

We hope the Fun Day, held on the Flower Show day, will raise lots of money for the Play park. If anyone would like a stall or has an unusual activity to offer for the day we would be very pleased to hear from you on Yelverton 853992.

Walkhampton Flower Show

Mike Dobson

This year’s show will be held on Saturday August 23rd at the Memorial Hall, Walkhampton. There will be classes for Vegetables, Flowers, Flower -arranging, Produce, Home Brew and Cookery classes for Adults, young people and children. Additionally there will be Handicraft classes, Photographic classes - featuring Animals, Holidays and Bridges - plus a full range of classes for children. All children’s entries are free.

We had a very successful event last year but we would love to have even more entries in all classes, so why not give it a go and support your local show. Schedules will be available from mid June at shops in Yelverton as well as the Post Offices at Dousland and Walkhampton.

Also on the day there will be a Charity Cricket Match and a Village Fun Day on the Memorial Field. If you need any information, give me a call on 852937.

Advertisements

Walkhampton Post Office and Stores

Telephone  01822 853212

We offer a wide selection of Herbaceous Perennials and shrubs.
We specialise in the more unusual, and at prices you would be hard pushed to beat anywhere.  Before you stock up elsewhere, we invite you to come and have a look around.  We think you may be surprised!
In addition to all the usual goods and services you might expect from a village store, we also offer the following:

At Walkhampton Stores we are bucking the trend.  We are proving that a local store, serving the local community can succeed in an environment dominated by the supermarkets.

Thank you for your support
Mon-Fri 8:00-5:30 (Thu 1:00), Sat 8:00-5:00, Sun 10:00-12:00

The Walkhampton Inn

Walkhampton, Nr Yelverton, Devon PL20 6JY

Telephone 01822 855556

Your hosts: Roger & Jan Sawyer

Email:   info@walkhamptoninn.co.uk

WRIGHT WINDOWS

MOORHEAD'S

ELECTRICAL SERVICES : DIY : HARDWARE

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

DUSKHUNTER DOG GROOMING

Professional Caring Service with over 20 years experience

Clipping, handstripping, trimming, bathing etc. Terriers & Gundogs a speciality

For all details and appointments: Tel Linda Minett on 01822 855445

Home of the Duskhunter ‘West Highland White Terriers’

TERRY LEYTHORNE
DOUSLAND FUELS

For all coal and smokeless fuel requirements

Also Pressure Washing – Houses, Patios, Drives etc

Telephone: 01822 853973

TAYLORS
TREE AND HEDGELAYING SERVICES

Stewardship work undertaken
Competitive Rates - Free Quotations
Hedgelaying and general chainsaw work undertaken
No jobs too small

Tel. 01822 854276

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

Children and Adults with Individual and Group Sessions

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 15th of August for the next edition to be published in September 2003.
Burrator Parish Council is a body which complies with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.  Contact the Clerk Mike Spry for specific details about parish business.

Advertising

The charge for adverts is £10 (inc. VAT) per advert per single issue or £24 (ex. VAT) per advert for 4 issues. One full page advert costs £30 (ex. VAT) 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.

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 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.