We have received some good and constructive comments about the Autumn issue
and we hope that the magazine will continue in this style.

I would welcome comments on this issue along with articles which you think would be of interest to our readers and offers of help with deliveries. This is an opportunity to put something back into your area and at the same time get to know your neighbours better.

Many thanks to the councillors and parishioners who volunteered to deliver the last newsletter – I hope you enjoyed seeing and meeting the people of the parish as much as I did.

As we put together this edition of Burrator BEACON, the major topic of conversion among councillors is the planning application from South West Water. By the time you read this, we will have had the Parish Meeting at Meavy Hall and you will know the outcome. I hope for a good meeting with constructive comments and a clear message to convey to Dartmoor National Park (the planning authority) and South West Water from the electors of Burrator Parish.

The long awaited report on the Parish Appraisal has been completed. It remains only for it to be printed and distributed. With a bit of luck, you might even have received a copy of the report with this edition of the Burrator BEACON. I urge everyone living in the parish to read it and to consider carefully the recommendations made. The outcome of the appraisal will come to nothing unless you, the people of Burrator, get involved.

Recently the Council agreed to hiring Walkhampton Hall to provide a venue for a HEARTSTART evening – this proved extremely popular and the 24 people who attended left better able to cope with several major crises should they ever be unfortunate enough to have to do so. If you were not able to make it – there are a number of other Parishes organising them in the near future – you may find the experience invaluable.

The Council has also agreed to join with Devon County Council the funding of the introduction of a 30mph Speed limit through Walkhampton, this will happen in the new financial year, hopefully early April 2000. This will help ease some of the very real SAFETY concerns that exist and have again been expressed at recent Council Meetings. Of particular concern are the areas adjacent to both Meavy and Walkhampton Schools, most specifically at times when children are being delivered and collected.

It is an unfortunate fact that the thoughtless parking of some people at these locations and times is resulting in what can only be described as chaos at times, with through traffic being unable to proceed past the schools. It is of course worse in bad weather when, understandably, people want the minimum exposure to the elements.

However, SAFETY should be the priority and with this in mind we are in contact with the County Council Safety Officer and the two "Heads" to see if they can help with suggestions on how to alleviate or minimise the problem. In the meantime, please help us to help you!

Walkhampton Green boundary hedge was felt to be in need of attention so has been dealt with (detailed elsewhere in this issue) whilst Mr Dobson (Chair of "Footpaths" ) has had an excellent response with interest in the Footpath list availability- if you would like a copy please contact either of us. There are some cracking walks, some short and sheltered others longer and more exposed but definitely a walk for any weather any time of year.

At the Inn, the New Year will see improvements to the kitchen facilities, the first being the introduction of a 3 phase power supply which will increase the capacity for kitchen appliances whilst there are further Plans being considered.

Two other schemes operated by ourselves and the Borough Council continue to flourish. namely Home Composting and the Countywide Concessionary Fare Scheme. Home Composting, with the keen gardener being able to contact Mrs Ellis (Tel: 854383) for their compost bin. The Countywide Concessionary Fare Scheme, available via the two Post Offices for those eligible, this is a FREE PASS - please avail yourself of it if you qualify.

Earlier this year the Council agreed that the seat beneath the Oak could be replaced and on Saturday 27^th November 1999 Farren, Romney and Nicola Drury celebrated the unveiling of the magnificent replacement seat that they commissioned in memory of their Mother, Anna, and which they have generously donated to the Parish.

The seat was made by Matthew McCann at Walkham Mill, is made of English Oak and incorporates beautifully inlaid timber from the Royal Oak itself – this from pieces removed in 1998 when remedial work was carried out on the tree. The original wood is easily identified as it forms a dark band on the top and front bars.

The seat is extremely comfortable, has flat arms to take a drink and the family hope it will provide a comfortable and convivial place for anyone to sit, drink, ponder, discuss and dream, as they did themselves with their Mother in the past and will with friends in the future.

The Burrator Twinning Association held its AGM at Walkhampton School on 1^st December. The Chairman for the meeting was Jim Knight. He said that it had been a comparatively quiet year despite the fact that both of the schools had made visits to each other and a party of 19 had visited from Mathieu in May.

He paid tribute to Ted House, the retiring secretary and said that much of the quietness was due to the fact that Ted has been ill for some time. It showed how much energy and commitment that Ted had put into the Association when he was well. He dealt with the day to day running of the Association, liaised with his French counterpart, ran the lottery and convivially hosted the Committee meetings. Mr Knight confirmed that Ted will not be able to resume his duties. He will be greatly missed on both sides of the Channel in this respect.

Mr Knight went on to report on the year's activities in greater detail. Kevin Baxter, the Treasurer, presented the accounts and the nucleus of a new committee was formed before the meeting closed with cheese and wine.

Everyone residing in the Burrator parish is automatically a member of the Association. Anyone wishing to take a greater part in its activities is welcome to contact Jim Knight at Walkhampton School (853277).

In October, Andrew and Helen Gordon moved in to the village store in Dousland. They are both originally from Dousland. In taking over the store, Andrew and Helen hope to provide a valuable service to the local community. Actually, it is Andrew that will be running the shop and post office, as Helen will continue to work as a personal secretary at Dartmoor Prison.

To further encourage customers to use the store, they have extended the opening hours. Andrew is keen to meet the needs of the local community and wants to hear your views. He says "If there is anything you would like to see available in your village store, please let us know - we shall endeavour to meet all your needs."

Repair to the wall and supporting bank in Meavy Lane has been completed. As can be seen in the two pictures above, the repair work is very short on restoration. It is not entirely popular. It was left to the landowner, Mrs Vanstone, to provide the wirenetting to cover what would otherwise have been gaping holes between the posts and the top rail. Whilst the lane was closed for this repair, work was also done on the grating and drainage, with a view to reducing the likelihood of serious flooding that has occurred on this stretch of Meavy Lane

Captain Gordon and Mrs Irene Cross celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary on 13^th November 1999 with a family gathering at their home.

Gordon was a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy serving on board H.M.S. Norfolk when war started on 3^rd September 1939. Planning a wedding in Irene’s home town of Aldershot was very difficult but a helpful Rector managed to organise things during a 72 hour leave. Gordon then went back to sea arranging with Irene that she would join him as soon as possible.

Many separations followed during the next 25 years. Their son Paul was born in 1942 and daughter Jane in 1944.

They moved to Yelverton in 1960 having lived in 25 different rented houses at home and abroad. They bought their first home in Yelverton in 1962 moving to Dousland in 1967.

Gordon served as a Councillor on Meavy Parish Council becoming Chairman in 1979. It then became the Grouped P.C. that we know today and Captain Cross was elected as the first Chairman of the Burrator Grouped Parish Council.

They have spent 60 very happy years together and have been involved with many aspects of life in Meavy, Yelverton, Tavistock and Plymouth and the surrounding neighbourhood. Although no longer able to be as involved, their overall interest in local matters remains undiminished.

Meavy Church bells rang out at 10 am on Saturday 13^th November in salute to Irene and Gordon who had both been bell ringers for many years. Elizabeth Hopson and myself presented a basket of flowers and a card on behalf of the Parish Council on which Gordon had served for many years.
Keith Scrivener took the photo.

The Parish Council and their many friends and neighbours join in wishing them Congratulations and best wishes for the future.

In 1950 there may have been as many as 30,000 ponies on the moor. Today there are about 3,000. Further reduction in numbers may be inevitable as the markets have failed, and ponykeepers are finding it more difficult to afford their upkeep. Environmental requirements to reduce overall grazing on the commons for the wider benefit of wildlife and vegetation will also mitigate against the retention of excessive numbers of ponies.

Conscious of the economic realities for ponykeepers, and of the public’s huge affection for the pony on Dartmoor, the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council and the Dartmoor National Park Authority have been working together to secure a better future for the ponies, and to ensure their presence for all to enjoy.

A funeral service for Fern who passed away on 23^rd September aged 67, was held at a packed Walkhampton Church followed by internment at Buckland Monochorum (with mourners meeting at the village hall for refreshments).

Fern devoted a large portion of his life to serving the community in this area. After years of working around Yelverton and later delivering newspapers with his wife Mavis, Fern was a member of Burrator Parish Council for nine years and became Chairman in 1983. He was responsible for launching a quarterly parish newsletter, the Burrator Beacon, appointing me as Editor and organising the distribution meticulously. He showed great concern for any civil emergency, and whenever there was any flooding in the area you knew Fern would be one of the first around offering help and advice.

Fern worked with me and others organising The May Fair in Walkhampton and during meetings at the old P.O he drew up a list of businesses to get contributions from, with the result that we got a tremendous assortment of prizes and offers of help for the event.

Fern worked right to the end as a volunteer at Buckland Abbey and was also the Yelverton Representative for the Royal British Legion.

Meavy 6.00 pm 19^th December and 11.30 pm Christmas Eve
Sheepstor 3.00 pm 19^th December and 11.30 pm Christmas Eve
Yelverton St. Pauls 6.00 pm 19^th December and 11.30 pm Christmas Eve

Walkhampton 3.00 pm Christmas Eve
Yelverton 5.30 pm Christmas Eve

Meavy 10.15 am Walkhampton 9.30 am
Yelverton 10.00 am None at Sheepstor

Following bell ringing at 12 noon on New Year’s Day at Meavy.
At 6:00 pm on 31^st December at Walkhampton.
At 11.30 pm on 31^st December at Yelverton.

Since the article in the last issue of the Burrator Beacon, considerable interest has been shown in our Parish footpaths and bridleways. To date some 24 people have expressed an interest in "adopting" a path or a bridleway to walk or ride on a regular basis and a full list of Parish paths/bridleways has been sent to each person. Already I have received offers of help for 32 paths.

Many thanks to all those who have shown an interest and it would be very much appreciated now, if you could let me know which footpath or bridleway you are willing to "adopt". Not only will this enable me to set up the register of paths and walker/riders but it will identify those paths where help is still needed. I can then organise the supply of path report forms to each interested person.

I have held meetings with both the National Park Rangers who look after Burrator Parish, Paul Glanville and Jonathon Stone and I hope that by early new year I shall have a complete list of all the paths and references and lengths.

If you have any queries on our paths and bridleways, please do not hesitate to give me a ring on 852937.

Here are some interesting facts about travel and transport. Test your knowledge to see how TravelWise you are.

1. In the next 25 years, by how much is road traffic forecast to increase?

a) 50%  b) 25%  c) 5%

2. How many cars per minute pass Exeter on the M5 in the height of summer?

a) 40  b) 80  c) 120

3. What is 0345 484950?

a) number of cars in UK  b) rail enquiries phone number  c) population of Manchester

4. Regular cyclists enjoy a level of fitness equivalent to that of individuals how many years younger?

a) 2 years younger  b) 6 years younger  c) 10 years younger

5. Lack of physical activity is a health risk for how many men?

a) 30%  b) 40%  c) 70%

6. What is the average number of people in each car travelling to work?

a) 1.2  b) 1.9  c) 2.1

7. What percentage of road trips are under five miles?

a) 29%  b) 53%  c) 71%

8. Air pollution from road transport is linked with how many deaths per year in the UK?

a) 50  b) 500  c) more than 5000

9. Global Warming is a concern for our children’s future and us. What is the fastest growing source of gases that produces this effect?

a) industry  b) road transport  c) power generation

10. If you drive an average family car for 10,000 miles in one year at a constant 30 mph, what proportion of the weight of your car is the total weight of the exhaust gas emissions?

a) one tenth  b) equal  c) three times

Check your answers at the end of the page to see how well you have done.

Give yourself one point for each correct answer.

1-3 Fair   4-6 Good  7-10 Great, you really are TravelWise

If you want more information on the TravelWise campaign, please contact Lesley Smith, TravelWise Promotions Officer, at Devon County Council on 01392 382089, or send an email: lcsmith@devon-cc.gov.uk

On Friday 26^th November the Earl of Morley unveiled the Walkhampton Millennium Wall Hanging during the Preview Evening of the Art and Crafts Christmas Fair.

Work started on the Wall Hanging two years ago when it was decided that the recently decorated Memorial hall needed a colourful focal point. One possibility was a mural, but inspired by the success of the Church Kneeler Project the idea of a parish map was floated. It was decided that a wall hanging based on this concept should be made to celebrate the Millennium.

The project has been funded by a grant from the Villages in Action Rural Creative Project Fund. This has covered the cost of all the materials used. The completed wall hanging measures five feet by four feet. It has a central panel showing a map of the parish surrounded by 24 smaller panels. These portray historic buildings such as the parish church alongside newer housing. The village centre and outlying landmarks are there as well as farm animals and wildlife. Those that look carefully will notice one anachronism – a small steam train in Great Western livery puffing along the railway line between Yelverton and Princetown which of course hasn’t seen a train since the 1960’s. To accompany the wall hanging there is an album of photographs with details of the features on the designs and the maker names.

The panels are all worked in cross stitch using wool from the Axminister Carpet Factory. At least 20 people have helped with the sewing, following the designs charted by Michael and Derelie D’Oyly. The panel depicting the village school has been worked by the pupils at the school. Every child who has attended the school during the last eighteen months has contributed stitches.

With all the celebrations that will be taking place over the next few weeks don’t get lax over security. Remember, thieves do not take holidays – what is a holiday to you is a hard working day to criminals. Do make sure your Christmas presents in the car are covered over when you are out shopping, and that the little kitchen window you leave open for the cat or for fresh air is secured and the keys are not left in the doors. If you are going away over the holiday period, double check every door and window in the house and garage and if possible ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on the house for you.

What is going to be happening?

Here is a brief outline of events.

• From 5:00 pm bring a plate of food and drop it off at Lady Modiford’s School

• At 5:45 pm assemble at the memorial cross and join a torchlight procession up to Walkhampton church, were there will be a short service followed by the lighting of a beacon.

Then process back down the hill to the school for mulled wine, mince pies and plates of nibbles.

Events at the school are free!!!

You will be invited to ‘make a mark for the millennium’ which will be done on a long scroll. A signature, a hand print, a foot print, a picture, an appropriate message for posterity. Something everyone can contribute to. It’s a way of marking where you were on this special occasion. There will also be an opportunity to view the childrens’ tapestry.

• At 8:30 pm there will be a firework display.

• At 9:00 pm celebrations finish at the school and move on to the Walkhampton Inn, where there will be festivities and merriment with excellent live music.

• At 11:45 pm, serving at the pub will cease for 30 minutes to allow everyone to welcome in the new millennium. Some people might like to assemble back at the memorial cross at the stroke of midnight.

The idea is that you can contribute to or participate in any part of the evening or all of it if you wish.

Members of the millennium committee will be coming round soon to ask if you would like to contribute toward the celebrations in any way.

LORD thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody: helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessing sureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Impressed by Yelvercare

Yelverton are to be congratulated on the efficiency of Yelvercare. I was privileged to use this service recently and was much impressed. Thankyou Yelvercare.

South West Water has applied to Dartmoor National Park Authority for planning permission to improve the very basic facilities currently available to the public at Burrator Reservoir, which has long been a favourite countryside location for the citizens of Plymouth and surrounding parishes.

Evelyn Stacey, South West Water’s Leisure Services Manager said "South West Water believes it is vital to retain the area’s essential qualities. The reservoir attracts people who, because of our sensitive management, can currently enjoy attractive scenery, unspoilt habitats and areas for wildlife and other activities such as fishing, cycling and walking the many miles of waymarked woodland paths or open moorland."

She continued "We have been very careful to plan a low key range of facilities which will not disturb these qualities. Allowing public access to the historic Burrator Lodge, an attractive building with links to the area’s heritage and the provision of good facilities will help to ensure that these qualities are maintained."

The proposal consists of a new toilet block, including much needed provision for wheelchair users, a car park for 52 cars in the former forestry yard. Also the change of use of Burrator Lodge to provide a Rangers’ office, visitor information room and small tea room accessible to all, with a self-contained flat on the first floor. Anglers will be able to buy their fishing permits on site for the first time in over fifteen years.

Miss Stacey concluded "Our plans will safeguard Burrator Lodge as a public facility and will provide our visitors with basic facilities similar to those enjoyed at most of our other reservoirs across the region."

For further information please contact Hilary Weatherley, Corporate Communications Manager on 01392 443035.

After some disruption, residents of Walkhampton and parts of Dousland can now be connected to mains gas, at a charge of £300 upwards per household. Having just been through this conversion myself (and survived!) I feel the outcome was worth all the noise and disruption. An oil fired boiler which sounded like Concorde, a large oil tank and two Calor gas cylinders have now all been replaced by a smart and quiet wall mounted boiler. The work of laying the pipe to the house – including the use of a mechanical ‘mole’ was a traumatic chapter, but will just be a memory when the house is hopefully snug in the depths of winter.

A war hero who was killed in action 57 years ago has finally had his name added to the roll of honour in Sheepstor, the village where he lived.

Sub-Lieutenant Peter Nicolson RNR DSC died in August 1942 just before his 21^st birthday while in command of a Motor Torpedo boat on active service during the Second World War. Although the village church of St. Leonard’s does have a memorial cross to its two sons who were lost in the First World War, there had never been a memorial to Sub-Lieut. Nicolson, its only victim of the 1939/45 conflict.

Lord Carnock with Rev. Richard Tebbs

On Remembrance Sunday, November 14^th this year, team Rector Richard Tebbs led the church service at Sheepstor when the name of Peter Nicolson, now added to the war memorial, was blessed at a special dedication during the Act of Remembrance in the churchyard. Among the villagers and parishioners who attended the service was Lord Carnock, now of Harford near Ivybridge, the brother of the late Peter Nicolson, who watched as a Royal Navy officer laid a poppy wreath at the base of the memorial cross.

Peter Nicolson had joined the Royal Naval Reserve at the outbreak of the war. His first ship was the Laurentic an armed merchant cruiser which was sunk by enemy action in the Irish Channel. Following his rescue, he was posted to a flotilla of Motor Torpedo Boats which made short sallies from south coast ports against enemy shipping in the Channel. Two of the shore bases which the young Sub-Lieut. was attached to were called HMS Wasp and HMS Hornet – names which clearly indicate the type of short stinging attack the boats made with their deadly torpedoes. The officers and men were all required to have more than the average spirit and dash to command such small but powerful vessels.

On a mission aboard MTB 38 as the only officer of a small crew, Peter Nicolson was mortally wounded. As he died he gave instructions to the Coxswain as to the course and co-ordinates to be followed to get safely home to Dover. This presence of mind and dedication to duty led to other crewmen surviving, including the Coxswain who later visited Peter’s parents in Sheepstor.

During the Act of Remembrance, after the Last Post was sounded, Rev. Tebbs read the famous words from the Kohima Memorial – "When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today."

Congratulations to Mrs Cresha Glanville of Walkhampton who is the winner of the competition in the last issue.

A £10 meal voucher kindly donated by Jeff Gale of The Burrator Inn, Dousland has been sent to her.

Test your powers of observation and tell me where this cross is situated?

Answers please to the Editor by 31^st January 2000, giving your name, address and telephone number. Only one entry per household please. The Editor’s decision is final.

The prize of a £10 meal voucher has been kindly donated by Nick and Tracey Packer of the Walkhampton Inn.

Pressure Washing – Houses, Patios, Drives etc

It seems so long ago, and already we are planning for next year. But there is some news which will interest many of you. How much money was raised and how it is being distributed

The total profit for the day was £1,815, which we all think was brilliant. So many groups and individuals helped before during and after the day and together raised this fantastic amount.

We hope you are looking forward to Meavy Oak Fair 2000. Write the date in your diary now - Saturday 17^th June 2000.

As all the residents of the village will know, the overgrown hedge by the stream in the centre has been thinned out. This is the first time that any work has been carried out on it since the Blackbrook estate was built in 1983/84.

The work has created a much more open aspect to the village centre, both into and out of Blackbrook Close and brings our village green more clearly into view. The great majority of local residents have been in favour of the work, which was organised and paid for by the Parish Council and will be maintained on an annual basis.

A large number of residents, have expressed the view that in order to complete the work on the hedge it should be layered and hopefully the Council will give the go ahead for that to be done. While it will look a little bare initially, in a year or so it will develop into a mature and attractive hedge. Suggestions have also been made by local residents that the village green could be made more attractive by planting spring bulbs and to this end there is a collection box in the village post office for donations. Chris and Eileen who run the post office have kindly offered the bulbs at cost price.

A further enhancement to the stream would be the removal of the ivy from the wall on the Blackbrook Estate side of the stream – not only will this reveal the natural stone walling – but it will also help minimise damage to the walls.

If anyone is interested in helping with this work and the bulb planting – please let me know on 852937 so that working teams can be organised.

Finally, the Council are also in touch with the National Rivers Authority to try and get them to clear the stream bed of silt and mud. This will also help improve the appearance of the village centre.

The proposed positions for the Boundary Stones for Burrator Parish are at either end of the main East-West and North-South routes through the parish.

East to West is the B3212 from Princetown to Yelverton. The East Boundary Stone will be just beyond the cattle grid travelling out of Princetown, and the West Boundary Stone just beyond Woodmans Corner travelling towards Dousland.

North to South is taken to be the road from Horrabridge via Walkhampton, Dousland and Meavy to Cadover Bridge. Hence the North Boundary Stone will be on Knowle Down and the South Boundary Stone by Cadover Bridge

Ingredients:

1 cup of water, 2 cups dried fruit, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 cups of flour, 1 tsp salt, 8 oz nuts, 4 large eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, juice of 1 lemon, 1 bottle whisky

Method:

First sample the whisky to check the quality. Take a larg bowl. Check the whisky once more to be sure it is of the most highest quality. Break the eggs. Pour one level cup of whisky and drink. Breke more eggs – Oops spilt a bit.

Turn on electric mixerer, beat one cup of batter in a large fluffy bowl mix. Add 1 tsp sugar, beat again. Make sure whisky is till okay. Cry another cup. Turn off mixerer.

Breka last two ekks and add to bowl and chuck in dried fruit. Mix on the turner. Sip whisky. If the fried druit get stuck in the beaterers, pry it loose with a drewscriver. Samply the whisky to ensure toxsisticy.

Next, sift 2 cups of salt. Or something. Add anything to hand. Who cares? Check the whisky again. Now crack lemon juice and strain your nut. Add one table. Scrape mixture off table. Spoon of sugar or similar. Whatever you can find next.

1. a) 50%
2. c) 120
3. b) rail enquiries
4. c) 10 years
5. c) 70%
6. a) 1.2
7. c) 71%
8. c) 5,000
9. b) road transport
10. c) three times

The charge for future adverts will be £5 per advert per issue. These could be booked and paid for on a yearly (ie four issues) basis, payable in advance within seven working days of going to press. A full page advert would be £25. We have 750 copies going into every household in the Burrator Grouped Parish and also on the website, so why not take the opportunity to publicise your business.