Winter 2007

Burrator Twinning Association

Karen Batson - Chairperson 

We recently held our AGM at Meavy Hall. We are a long standing association within the Parish and we are always happy to welcome new members. The following Chairperson's report outlines our activities over the past year.

This year has been as busy as ever for the committee and in some ways, a little more challenging than in the past. In the New Year, it became apparent that it would be very difficult for our French counterparts to rally enough of their members to visit us in early May. Mathieu was hosting a visit from their German twinning group and the French elections were due to take place at the beginning of May. Therefore, in order to facilitate a visit by a larger group, it was decided to postpone until late October. This resulted in us making changes to our plans for the visit, as the weather conditions would not possibly have been favourable enough for the type of activities we had had in mind. The planned reception for our guests went ahead on the Thursday evening upon their arrival.

After much discussion and investigations into viable (and affordable) options, it was decided to run a mystery coach tour for our French guests and their hosts on the Friday. The proposed itinerary was a visit to a honey farm en route and a visit to Lynton and Lynmouth. There was a ‘French-style’ picnic, provided by the hosts, at a suitable spot (see pictures). Hosts entertained their guests on the Friday evening and on the Saturday. By all accounts, the meal was a great success, in terms of organisation and the quality of the meal. Our French friends left early on the Sunday morning to catch the ferry from Portsmouth.

We were very sad not to have received Jean-Pierre & Christiane Tillard this year, due to Christiane’s continuing ill-health. They have been regular visitors over many years & have staunchly supported the French committee. A card conveying the best wishes of our members has been sent to Christiane. I’d like to thank all members of the committee for their work in making the visit such a success, but in particular, David & Jill who organised the coach trip & the meal; and Jim, who successfully managed to find hosts for all of our visitors.

Without our fund-raising efforts, none of the above would have been possible. In the past year, we have run 2 quizzes and a games stall at Lady Modiford’s School summer fair. The proceeds from these would not have been enough without those from fund-raising during the previous year and the profit from the lottery. We now need to embark upon a serious campaign of fund-raising for the next visit by the French, which will be in May 2009, only 18 months away. Over the last couple of years it has become increasingly difficult to recruit new members to our committee and indeed to find other members of our local community with an interest in participating in our twinning activities. We have tried to raise our profile with articles in the Burrator Beacon and by mounting photographic displays at our fund raising events. This is not a problem particular to our group, as we found out from Jim’s visit to a Devon Twinning Circle meeting. In addition, Anne-Marie Ruffier, president of the Mathieu Twinning Association, has reported similar problems. In order to maintain the present level of activities & exchanges, this does require significant commitment and effort from a very small number of people in the Burrator Parish.

The issue of possible exchanges between the pupils of Lady Modiford’s School and those of Mathieu has remained unresolved. The school at Mathieu requested to bring approximately 50 children to Burrator this summer. Lady Modiford’s was unable to support this visit due to other commitments and our approaches to Meavy School were unsuccessful. The committee felt that they would be unable to undertake the considerable organisation needed for such a visit, unsupported by either school, which unfortunately meant that we had to decline their request. Correspondence & informal discussions have taken place between the committee and the Head of Lady Modiford’s, who has not ruled out possible future involvement completely.

Now we look forward to our visit to Mathieu in May. It is always a wonderful experience to stay in the homes of our French friends and we would like to encourage our members from Burrator to join us for what will be an exciting weekend!

If you would like to know more about us, or indeed join us next May for our visit to Mathieu, in Normandy, please phone Karen Batson 855030, or Jim Knight 854912.

Editorial

Jenny Sharp

Another bumper issue this time, hopefully full of useful and interesting information. I often hear the remark ‘I can’t think who you are talking about but if I saw them I would probably know who it is’ – I am the first to admit that I am not very good with names but can remember what people look like. Well, there is a chance to meet your councillors in the flesh, so to speak, on February 2nd April, see the Chairman’s report on page 4. I have included a picture of myself in this issue, so if you see me around please say hello!

In this edition, there is the usual looking back at events and activities such as the Burrator Twinning Association visit, the Parish Walk and the ups and downs of Walkhampton Football Club. There is a lot to look forward to over the Winter months; details of the Christmas Church services in the Parish can be found on page 22. With many events planned ranging from the Meavy Pantomime in early January, the Three Hares talk later that month and then onto Bingo at Sheepstor, a Jumble Sale at Walkhampton and even on to the Easter Whist Drive at Meavy in March, there is bound to be something for everyone. Have a look at the Dates for your Calendar on page 23, there is so much happening. This time of year, many organisations hold their AGM’s. Remember that all AGM’s are open to anyone, so go along and see what is happening at the Halls, the Play Park and the Garden Societies.

Well, as I finish my first year as Editor, may I wish you all an enjoyable Christmas and a great 2008!

Clerk’s Report

Lucie A Luke

The tenancy of the Royal Oak Inn was successfully taken over on the 4th October, by Stephen and Julie Earp – we wish them a happy, long and successful tenancy.

The Parish Council are bitterly disappointed that the proposed development for social housing in Walkhampton has been granted permission by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. We tried to involve the Government Office South West to assist with our objections and concerns however this was not successful.

We would like to remind the various organisations within the Parish that now is the time to submit your grant applications to the Parish Council for determination in the New Year.

There are still a few vacancies on the Parish Council and we would like to fill these as soon as possible to ensure continued and fair representation for our Parish. Anyone interested in applying, please do contact Chas Symes on 01822 853782 or me on 01822 614278.

We are delighted with Jenny’s work for the Burrator Beacon, the quality and quantity is much improved. Volunteers for delivery are still required in the Dousland area, anyone interested please get in touch.

Chairman’s Report 

Chas Symes

As I sit here typing this report I’m thinking of the 11th hour of the 11th day, which we will be commemorating tomorrow. It is a time for reflection on what has gone before and the sacrifices people have made to enable us to live in this particular part of beautiful Dartmoor, in the way we enjoy today.

I realise how lucky I am to live here when I walk across Dartmoor with a group of walkers organised by our Parish Council Footpaths Group. The last organised walk was a gentle one that started and ended at Merrivale. I am glad it only lasted a few hours because I’m not as physically fit as I was 10 years ago or even 10 months ago! I was also able to learn about new things as well as having the satisfaction of completing the walk. One of the group explained and showed me the prehistoric graves that can be found around that area.

I suppose what I’m trying to say is that one should never be afraid to take a chance in trying something you are not sure about or finding out new things. I think one of the reasons we have vacancies on the Parish council is because people aren’t sure what being a councillor means or what is required. The Parish Council has agreed to arrange a “meet the Parish Council” event on 2nd February to give members of the public the opportunity to meet local Parish councillors and find out what it’s like to be a councillor and what the job entails. Please watch the Parish Notice boards for further details in January.

To apply to be a councillor you have to be over 21 years of age and live either within the Burrator Parish Boundary or no more than 3 miles from the boundary. The Council meets once a month, usually on a Thursday evening and other committees, such as Planning Committee meet once a month too.

For me, being a councillor means contributing to the local democratic process within our area, trying to get things done within a non party political structured way.  It’s about working together with the local community to solve local problems and issues that directly affect Burrator. The Council has to listen to and try to balance the various interests and opinions within our community, that sometimes conflict, when making Council decisions. It’s an interesting and stimulating task that can also be frustrating when our views are overridden by other groups and committees outside Burrator. At least we can have the satisfaction to know that we have the opportunity to put forward our views as part of the national democratic process. The same process for which others have made the ultimate sacrifice that we will be remembering on Sunday 11th November.

Planning Committee Autumn 2007

Doug Allison - Chair of Planning Committee

First of all may I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Well it’s been quite a busy last 3 months what with the Walkhampton, (Knowle Terrace) development and the usual round of applications for conservatories and extensions - 9 applications in total.

The most controversial by far was the Knowle Terrace Planning Application for 8 Units of Social Housing. After refusal in 2005, reapplication in 2007 and a recent site visit by the National Park Development Control Committee, Dartmoor National Park voted to approve the development by 9 votes to 7 in early October. This was despite full knowledge of the large numbers of local objectors and strong objection from the Parish Council.  After the decision the Parish Council appealed against it to the Government Office South West on the grounds that: (a) the application was decided on inaccurate and incomplete information and without due regard to the primary statutory purpose of the National Park which is to conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park and (b) the application was granted not on planning policy but on the perception of a local need, without any regard for the suitability of the site.  

The appeal was turned down by the Government Office South West. The reason stated by them not being at all clear. Further letters have now been sent by the Parish Council to the chief planning officer, Mr C France DNPA, Government Office South West and to Mr G Cox, QC MP in the hope that a full explanation as to why this application has been supported and approved despite concern over the way the application was processed and significant local objection.

See you all in 2008.

Footpaths and Walks

Michael Parle – Chair of Footpaths Advisory Committee

The BPC Footpaths Advisory Committee organised a very successful series of walks in and around our parish for 2007. All three walks were well attended and very much appreciated. The photo shows the most recent walk which started and ended at Merrivale and took place at the end of September. There are a number of parishioners who are not councillors who are co-opted onto the footpaths advisory committee. If you are interested in joining them please contact Michael Parle.

For 2008 we have planned a programme of four walks.

Winter Walk – Sat 19th January, meet at Burrator Quarry at 10 am. A grand circuit above Burrator Reservoir, to include Sheepstor.

Spring Walk – Sat 26th April, meet at Cadover Bridge at 10 am. Down the Plym valley to Shaugh Bridge, up to Dewerstone via the tramway, back to Cadover.

Summer Walk – Fri 4th July, meet on Meavy Green at 6:30 pm. Meavy, Lovaton, Brisworthy, Gutter Tor, Ringmoor, Meavy.

Autumn Walk – Sat 27th September, meet at Princetown car park at 10 am. A circuit to the east of Princetown around Royal Hill.

Further information about these walks will be posted on the parish council website, parish notice boards and future editions of the Beacon.

Meavy Oak Fair 2007 

Jenny Sharp – Chair of Meavy Oak Fair 

As reported in the last edition of the Beacon, Meavy Oak Fair again made a great profit of £2,150 which is donated to local groups and organisations. We are pleased to announce that we have made the following donations:

The different organisations who benefited are those who contributed to the Fair in different ways; from the school providing a wonderful opening pageant to many organisations running stalls or games, the Morris Dancers for entertaining us, the Fire Brigade and the Military Club bringing their vehicles for people to see. We are pleased this year to support the newly formed West Devon Explorers who turned out at short notice to run some of the games. Here’s hoping that next year is just as successful for all concerned.

Meavy Ford

Michael Parle

For the past few years Burrator Parish Council has taken a responsibility to maintain the ford and the stepping stones across the River Meavy by Marchant’s Green. Recently we have had the ford and the approach road on the south side regraded. Also we have had the stepping stones moved a little further upstream and repositioned to make them easier to use. I hope you agree with us that our contractor has made an excellent job of both tasks.

Earlier this year the council approached Devon County Council with regard to support in maintaining the highway across the River Meavy at the ford. In the reply from John Coleman, Area Highways Engineer (South), he acknowledges that: “Section 31 of the Highways Act does state that if a way has been actually enjoyed by the public as of right and without interruption for a full period of 20 years, the way is to be determined to have been dedicated as a highway.” He goes on to say that he understands that this has not been the case, and that therefore Devon County will not be maintaining the ford.

Burrator Parish Council would like to gather evidence that the ford has been used by the public as of right and without interruption for a full period of much more than 20 years. Though there are now access restrictions to the lane leading to the ford, these restrictions are in place because of Meavy Bridge being so small and narrow. (The restrictions are 7.5 tonne goods vehicles prohibited and access not suitable for wide vehicles). The council is aware that many local farmers and businesses use the ford to avoid what would otherwise be a long and time consuming detour.

If you can provide a written statement of you, your family or your business using the ford for more that the past 20 years, the council would like to hear from you. Also if you have a picture of a vehicle crossing the ford dated pre 1987. Please contact the parish clerk or any councillor if you can help; the contact details are here.

Meavy C of E Primary School

Sue Blair – Headteacher

We have had an extremely busy term and as Christmas approaches no doubt this will increase!

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE - On Friday 9th November our children participated in a very moving Remembrance Day Service. We were joined by veteran Mr Garth Wright who shared his memories with the children. The experience was an extremely important one for the children and they were really keen to listen to Mr Wright and to admire the medals he wore.

CLASS ASSEMBLIES - Each term every class performs a class assembly to their parents and grandparents in an afternoon presentation. These occasions are very popular and the children are delighted to be able to show their families what they have been up to during the term. As usual the children and parents have really enjoyed the experience.

SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN - The meeting for the School Council with the County Highways department and the School Travel Coordinator was rescheduled for Friday 23rd November at 10am. School Council members were walking around the local area and prior to this they were involved in collating the results of a travel questionnaire sent to parents. It was a magnificent response by parents so it is obviously an issue which is important to us all and we hope to be awarded funding to help improve our green credentials for travel to school.

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES - The title of our Christmas Performance this year is ‘Stable Manners’. The children are busily practising the songs and appear to be greatly enthusiastic! The cast have been appointed and I am sure we are going to be treated to another superb performance this year at St Paul’s Church Yelverton on Tuesday 11th and Thursday 13th December at 6pm.

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE - Once again this year we have the services of Mr Barry Mills to conduct an orchestra at our Carol Service. We really appreciate Barry giving up his time to lead our orchestra and this very special time is made even more wonderful by the participation of the whole community in this school event. As usual we will be offering refreshments and mince pies after the service at the school. The Carol Service will be held at 6pm on December 20th at St Peter’s Church Meavy.

ENTERTAINING OUR SENIOR CITIZENS - Some of our children entertained our senior citizens as part of their Christmas celebrations in Meavy Church hall on 30th November.

PTA - Our School Christmas Fair this year was on Saturday 1st December at 11.0’clock. It lived up to the promise once again of being a very exciting event with Santa Claus arriving with his elf and numerous stalls and activities to enjoy and provide atmosphere.

SCHOOL PARTIES - The children will be having their Christmas parties on the afternoon of Tuesday December 18th and their School Christmas lunch on Wednesday 19th December.

We at Meavy Primary School would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas!

St Mary’s West End Reordering Fund

Chrissie Brannagan – St Mary’s PCC

At St Mary's we have embarked on an ambitious project to enhance the church by installing a toilet, kitchen, new heating system, ringing chamber, and parish room at the west end of the church. We have been fund-raising since 2003 and, to date, we have raised £40,000 towards the cost of the planned work. We have a number of fundraising initiatives including:

Sponsor a brick

We are still promoting our Sponsor a Brick initiative. Sponsors are asked to contribute £1 per brick with the chance to win £100, £50, or £25 in a draw to take place when we have sponsors for the 1000 pre numbered bricks. We have been promoting this initiative over the last few months and still have a quantity available. The date of the draw will be dependant on the rate of sponsorship. If you would like to sponsor this initiative please contact Chrissie Brannagan on 853150.

Christmas Wine & Nibbles

"Get Together" On Wednesday 19th December, from 6.30pm till 8.30pm, Doreen & Glenn will host a Christmas get together at their home, Trelawney in Walkhampton, (next door to the school). Tickets at £2 per adult - to include a glass of wine & Christmas nibbles, and £1 per child - to include a glass of squash & nibbles, may be brought from them (just ring the bell), or can be brought on the door. The evening will include a raffle, bring & buy stall, teas & coffees & additional drinks will also be available. Donations of raffle prizes & bring & buy items will be appreciated. For more details contact Doreen & Glenn on 855900.

Other WERF events are planned for the year, such as Sue Andrew’s talk (see Three Hares article). See the Dates for your Calendar page for other events and more details will be in future editions of the Beacon.

Did Drake invent the bicycle?

Susanne Martin - Project Manager Drake's Dartmoor

This was one of the questions raised when Drake’s Dartmoor Project Manager Susanne Martin met the pupils of Meavy Primary School dressed in Tudor costume, but also sporting a modern bike and cycling helmet. It formed part of the groups competition held in the three local primary schools (Meavy, Walkhampton and Buckland Monachorum) to find the logos for the new cycle trail named ‘Drake’s Trail’, which will hopefully be finished at the beginning of 2009 and finally provide an off-road link between Tavistock and Plymouth. Meant not only as an additional tourist attraction for the area, but also another means of transport and leisure activity for the local community, the trail and its completion is gathering momentum in these early autumn days.

The first section between Bedford Bridge and Grenofen Bridge will be officially opened for the public at the end of September. Assessments and investigations on environmental impact and funding of the construction of a high level bridge to make this particular stretch even more enjoyable are under way. It is hoped that construction of the Horrabridge to Clearbrook leg should commence soon and only 1.3km of the 26km long route is still under negotiation, yet talks are making some encouraging progress.

In addition to all these activities, a new Drake’s Trail Project Officer will start to work for West Devon Borough Council in October to give even more impact to the project and support the work of promoting the trail and the area done so far by Drake’s Dartmoor.

The Three Hares – A Curiosity Worth Regarding

Sue Andrew

The Three Hares is an intriguing design that is carved on medieval roof bosses in seventeen churches in Devon, including Tavistock. The three hares run in a circle conjoined by three ears which form a triangle at the centre of the design. The ingenuity of the motif is such that, although only three ears are carved, each creature appears to have two of its own. The design has been traced back to China where it is known in Buddhist temple paintings dating to the 6th Century AD. The design also occurs in medieval Islamic and Jewish art.

Sue Andrew will give a talk with illustrations on the Three Hares on Friday 25 January 2008 at 7.30pm to raise funds for St Mary’s Church, Walkhampton (WERF). Tickets £3.00 to include a glass of wine and nibbles and raffle. Contact: 01822 854653.

Yelvercare

Linda Anderson

Dear Betty,

I thought that I'd keep you up to date with what I have been doing.  A couple of weeks ago I had an appointment at the doctors' surgery - but I wasn't sure how I would get there.  Wasn't it nice in the "old days" when doctors did home visits?  My neighbour is so good and he does some shopping for me but I really don't like to keep asking him for favours, I'd hate to be a nuisance.  And my daughter is very supportive but she has her work and her family.  Then I remembered reading about Yelvercare in the local parish magazine. I wasn't sure about ringing them - would they be reliable?  And - well - a stranger turning up at my door No, I wasn't sure. Oh, I do miss Charlie.  He would have sorted it all out.  How could he go and die and leave me.  It's no fun being old and alone. But I know what he would say "Minnie, there's no point being miserable -get on and do something about it."  So I did!  

I phoned Yelvercare.  The number was one of those long mobile phone ones, but I got it right on the second try.  (I think I'll ask my daughter to put the number on my phone's memory, that'll make it easier).  Such a nice lady answered, I was a bit nervous and got muddled but she was so patient and explained that she would ring me back when she had arranged for a volunteer to be my driver.  I did remember to ask her how much it would cost, she said that there was no charge but that I could make a donation if I wanted - she thought £2 would be fine for my short trip.  She rang me back and it was all fixed!  I did feel pleased with myself.  

On the day of the appointment I was ready early and this nice man arrived right on time.  He was so considerate and obviously used to dealing with wobbly old women like me!  We managed to get me and my sticks into the car and out again at the surgery.  He came in with me as it was raining and slippy underfoot, then he sat with me in the waiting room.  We had such a nice chat - well, I did most of the talking, but he was interested - so kind.  After I'd seen the doctor, he drove me to the chemist to get my prescription and popped into the Co-op for me, to pick up a couple of things.  Then he drove me home and even came to the door and made sure that I got in safely.  He gave me an envelope and I put in my £2.  It seemed so little but he said that it wasn't a "fare" - just a donation.

Charlie would have been so proud of me!  But it was easy.  The doctor is making an appointment for me at Derriford Hospital - and it is such a comfort to know that Yelvercare are there to take me.  I wonder if it will be that nice man again!  

All the best,     Minnie.  

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Yelvercare then please ring Linda Anderson on 855912 or Brian Medhurst on 853337. If you want Yelvercare to help you then ring 0777 5695 864 between 10am and 1pm.

The 10th Dartmoor Society Debate

Sue Andrew

The 10th Dartmoor Society Debate, entitled ‘What Future for the Dartmoor Village?’, took place on 29th September at Walkhampton Memorial Hall. Over eighty people enjoyed a day of discussion and a village tour.

In the morning, three speakers, including Chas Symes, Chairman, Burrator Parish Council, gave presentations on various aspects of village life, past and present. In the afternoon, an interesting range of possibilities to promote a sustainable future for the Dartmoor village was discussed. The proceedings of the debate are available on the Dartmoor Society’s website: www.dartmoorsociety.com.

Advent and Christmas at St. Leonard’s

Drinda MacDonald

At the beginning of December we are putting together a small exhibition of quilts made by our local group which are being given to Operation Lynas, to be passed on to neo-natal baby units in our area. Do pop in to look at these quilts and find out more about this project.

Our Christmas tree this year will be inspired and decorated in the German tradition and will be in position the week before Christmas, ready for our Candlelit Carols on Sunday 23rd December at 4 pm. All are very welcome, so bring your friends and relations, and your voices and come along. The collection will be for the Children’s Society.

Christmas Angels at Sheepstor Church, 2006

Walkhampton Football Club

Simon Stokes – Club Chairman

We are currently sitting 5th in the league with good form culminating in a 9-1 victory against Red Smith on the 11th Nov. Our cup fortunes have not favoured too well, we were beaten by 2nd from bottom in the League Cup and suffered a resounding hammering in the Sunday Supplement Cup by AD Electrical who are riding high in the league above. We have a tough game on the 18th Nov against top of the league, we will need to pull out all the stops to win this one and have everyone fit.

We would like to thank Chris Hamley for the fantastic fleeces he has donated to each player and the continued support from Chris and Lorraine. We must also to extend our thanks to our loyal supporters who turn out rain or shine.  

7th Sept:  Walkhampton 0-5 Lamorna Keltic.

9th Sept:  Walkhampton 2-3 St Levans. Scorers: Shutt (p), Mullen.   

16th Sept:  Walkhampton 3-3 Greenbank (cup). Scorers: Ross (2), S. Gibbings. Pen Win 5-4

24th Sept:  Walkhampton 3-6 Fortescue NE (cup). Scorer: M Gibbings (3)

30th Sept:  Walkhampton 1-0 Thai Palace. Scorer: Wickett

7th Oct:  Walkhampton 2-4 Thai Palace (cup). Scorers: Wickett, M Gibbings

14th Oct:  Walkhampton 2-5 Lamorna Keltic. Scorers: Wickett, S Sharland

21st Oct:  Walkhampton 3-1 Cobra. Scorers: Gray, Wickett (2)

28th Oct:  Walkhampton 2-1 Vospers Oak. Scorers: Mullen , Shutt (p)

4th Nov:  Walkhampton 1-9 AD Electrical (cup). Scorer: Wickett

11th Nov:  Walkhampton 9-1 Red Smith. Scorers: M. Gibbings (4), Wickett (2), Quick, Gray , P Gibbings  

Check out www.walkhamptonfc.9f.com for fixtures and links to the league, also face book under Wacky FC for discussions and general banter between players, supporters and social members.

Tavistock School Bus

Does your child wait for the Tavistock College bus at the bus stop on Burrator Road, Dousland? It has been bought to the attention of the council that, due to the small size of the bus stop, some children are spilling out into the road and causing a danger to themselves and to car drivers. It is on a bend and so they are not visible to drivers travelling up Burrator Road – that time of the morning it can be very busy. Please could you ask your children to take care not to stray on to the road – they can wait in the Burrator Inn car park - remember the bus will stop anyway so there is no need to keep looking out for it! The council is aware that the bus stop is inadequate and are making enquires about its position. Parents can also be proactive and liaise with the college and the bus company – if they are aware that the current pick up place is dangerous it can be moved – perhaps the bus could pull onto the Burrator Inn car park for example. Please let the council know your views.

Repair and Maintenance of Public Roads

Devon County Council is the highway authority and responsible for the repair and maintenance of most public roads in Devon. You should report any fault on the road such as faulty streetlights, pavements, drains and drain covers, ditches, manholes, road signs, road markings or cats-eyes, overgrown trees, hedges or verges, dangerous walls, basically anything to do with roads! Reports can be reported on-line at: www.devon.gov.uk/index/transport/roads/road_maintenance.htm

Letter to the Editor

Daisy and Rosie MacDonald, Sheepstor Village

As two upstanding members of our community, born and bred in the hamlet of Sheepstor, we thought we should respond to the letter in the Autumn edition of the Beacon. We would like the writer to know that we strictly adhere to the country code, as do our friends out here. We never chase sheep and we always make sure he/she leaves the gates as we find them. We know the words ‘sit’ and ‘heel’ and we nearly always know the word ‘come’. We like to welcome all those from the surrounding towns, villages and Dousland who also obey the country code – even joggers – who often seem to live in a little world of their own and prefer the sounds of their i-pods to the country sounds of animals and singing birds; and who throw away their drinks bottles and food wrappers willy-nilly, presumably thinking there is a good fairy cleaning up after them – or perhaps not thinking at all. We always take a poly-bag on our daily walks, pick up their litter and bring it home.

We are sorry that you find us, and some of our friends, a little too welcoming and we hope you can find it in your heart to be happy and exuberant too when enjoying the beauty of nature in the countryside around us.

Christmas Carol and Church Services
in the Burrator Parish

Carol Services

Sunday 23rd December - Carols & Crib Service, 11 am, St Mary’s, Walkhampton

Sunday 23rd December - Carols by Candlelight, 4pm, St. Leonard's, Sheepstor

Sunday 30th December - Candle lit Christmas Carol Service, 6pm, St Peter’s, Meavy

Christmas Eve

Midnight Communion at 11.30pm at St Peter’s, Meavy and St Mary’s, Walkhampton

Christmas Day

9.30 am - Family Communion, St Mary’s, Walkhampton

10:00 am - Family Communion, St Peter’s, Meavy

10:45 am - Holy Communion service, St. Leonard's, Sheepstor

Other Services

Meavy Mums & Toddlers and Meavy & Yelverton Playgroup will join together for a Christmas service on 20th December at 10.30am – all welcome.

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

Notices

Parish Council Meetings

Full Council Meetings are usually held on the last Thursday of the month (but not always!), the dates of the next few are:

31st January Walkhampton, 7:30pm
28th February Meavy, 7:30pm
27th March Walkhampton, 7:30pm
24th April Walkhampton, 7:30pm

Details of the committee meetings as well as the agenda for the Full Council meeting are posted on the black Parish Notice Boards which are situated throughout the parish: Meavy (Parish Hall), Sheepstor (outside the Church), Walkhampton (by the Pub), Hooe Meavy (on the right as you go up the hill from Clearbook to Meavy), Lovaton (by the phone box) and Dousland (one at the Burrator Road/Iron Mine Lane junction and another outside the post office).

Residents of the parish are welcome to attend the council meetings – you should check the notice board to see the location and times.

Meavy Amateur Dramatics Society

 presents

CINDERELLA

Meavy Parish Hall

Thurs 10th, Fri 11th and Sat 12th Jan. 7:30pm. All tickets £5.00
Family performance Sat 12th Jan 3pm. Adults £4.00, Children £3.50
Tickets from Jenny Sharp: 853652, Val Smith: 855909 or Dousland Stores

Walkhampton Community Play Park

AGM

Walkhampton Inn,  Monday 21st January 7:00 pm
Details from Pam Kitchen 853992

Jumble Sale

Walkhampton Memorial Hall, Saturday 26th January 2pm Refreshments – Car Park
Details from Pam Kitchen 853992

Meavy Friendship Group

Jumble Sale

Meavy Parish Hall Saturday 5th April 1pm

Cakes, Clothes, Bric–a–Brac, Books, Toys

Jumble to Hall before 12 on day or ring Val on 855909 to arrange collection

Sheepstor Bingo Evening

Friday 16th February 7.00pm

Entry: Adults - £2.50, Children - £2.00

LOTS OF PRIZES, RAFFLES

BRING AND SHARE REFRESHMENTS

For further details contact Corinna on 852613

Easter Whist Drive

Meavy Parish Hall 

Monday 17th March 7:30pm

Pork prizes and Raffle

Tickets from Ken Eastel 854311

Village Halls

Please support our local village halls for your meetings, parties and activities All the halls have disabled access and they vary in size and facilities so one of them will suit your requirements. All the Halls are run by willing volunteers who strive to keep them in good repair providing vital facilities for our communities.

Booking details can be obtained from the following:

Advertisements

WRIGHT WINDOWS

Terry Wright Sharpitor Burrator Road Dousland Yelverton PL20 6NE Tel. 01822 852275

Windows, Doors and Conservatories in Quality UPVC Also UPVC Fascia etc & Replacement Double-Glazed Units. FENSA Registered Mobile 07977 631776

ALLIED BUILDING TRADES

SPECIALISTS IN RESTORATION, CONVERSION, AND TRADITIONAL BUILDS. ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING PROVIDED.

Telephone 01822 853225 Mobile 07967 210525

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS UNDERTAKEN

FULLY PART ‘P’ COMPLIANT

REG No 22330

Mike Gilbert Architectural Designs

Design and drawings for Planning & Building Regulations approval

Extensions, alterations & new buildings. Residential and Commercial.

Established 20 Years

References and Sample drawings available

Free initial consultation

Telephone: 01364 631031

R. M. Builders & Contractors

Reliable Local Company you can rely on to do a Good job at a fair price

New Builds, Extensions & Loft Conversions, Renovations, Maintenance & Repair, Driveways & Patios, Barn Conversions, Small to Large Estates

15 Years Local Experience in Small, Medium & Major Contracts
Local Builders With A Reputation For Quality Service & Reliability

Tel.  01822 610509 & 01822 859405  Mobile: 07771 803613

Merryfield, Dousland, Yelverton

MOORHEADS

ELECTRICAL SERVICES : DIY : HARDWARE

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

Morris Bros. (Tavistock) Ltd

Independent Funeral Directors est. 1870.
Five generations of care in the Community.

Elaine Morris & son, Simon Luke

24 hour service, private Chapel of Rest
Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plan for your peace of mind.

Lakeside, Tavistock PL19 0AZ 01822 612023

www.morrisbros.co.uk

P. J. Shields

OIL AND GAS BOILER SPECIALIST

SERVICE - REPAIR - MAINTENANCE

Tavistock 614664

James Pattison  Tel: 01822 870256 Mob: 07980 901860

Landscaping - Traditional Stone Walling - Tree Surgery - Traditional HedgeLaying - Paving - Vegetation Clearance - Fencing - Mowing - Strimming - Public Liability Insured

RS MOTOR SERVICES

BUCKLAND MONACHORUM

01822 855747

FREE COURTESY CAR OR COLLECTION SERVICE FROM HOME OR WORK!

FRIENDLY LOCAL GARAGE OFFERING COMPUTERISED DIAGNOSTICS ON MOST MAKES AND MODELS USING THE LATEST EQUIPMENT.

MOT’S BY APPOINTMENT

SERVICING AND REPAIRS

DIAGNOSTICS AND TUNING

EXHAUSTS AND BATTERIES KEYS DEALER FOR TOYO TYRES AT UNBEATABLE PRICES!

PLEASE CALL RICHARD FOR A QUOTE ON 01822 855747

NICOLA MOULE

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

Kingsmead, Burrator Road, Dousland  PL20 6LU

Tel. 01822 853569 07884 253419

Terry Leythorne

Dousland Fuels

For all coal and smokeless fuel requirements

Telephone 01822 890357

PumpsPumpsPumps

For water/sewage pumps

Water treatment,  Ph correction,  UV sterilisation
Boreholes,  Springs

Garden maintenance
Property maintenance

Contact Simon on 07879 411883 or 01822 854254
for a friendly low cost efficient service.

Spiritual Time Clock & Watch Co.

Andrew H. Fulcher (Member of B.W.C.M.G.)
Clocks & Watches Repaired and Overhauled with Care & Consideration

Tel. 01548 857586 Mob.07721 487021
Email spiritualtime@aol.com  Website www.spiritualtime.co.uk

ABBEY TAXIS

Competitive Friendly Service. Any Distance Any Time.
Local & International Airport Runs. Contract Work Welcome.
Travel in comfort with our new 7 Seater VW Sharan.

E-Mail Bookings & Enquiries: abbeytaxis@hotmail.co.uk

Tel. 01822 617473   Mob. 07717 477193

CLASSY K9’s

Professional friendly dog grooming service.

One to one personal care for every dog.
All breeds/cross breeds welcome.

Call Paula 01822 853446

Endpiece

Burrator BEACON Editor  Jenny Sharp 

Editorial Team  Michael A Parle, Chas Symes.
Internet Edition Editor 

Published and issued quarterly, free of charge by Burrator Parish Council.
The next edition will be published at the end of March, copy deadline 6th March 2008. Copy to be sent to the Editor using the email link above.

Burrator Parish Council is a body which complies with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.  Contact the Clerk Lucie Luke for specific details about parish business.

Advertising

The charge for adverts ranges from £14.10 (inc. VAT) per small advert per single issue to £169.20 (inc. VAT) per full page advert for 4 issues. For full details of advertising rates see BeaconAdvertRates2007.pdf. Adverts must be booked and paid for in advance. Cheques made payable to Burrator Parish Council and sent to the clerk. We have 800 copies distributed free of charge to every household in the Burrator Grouped Parish. The Burrator BEACON is also on the parish council website, so why not take the opportunity to publicise your business.

Please contact the Editor with any enquiries or adverts in writing. Please include any illustration preferably in the form of a clear line drawing.

Burrator Web Site

Apart from providing information from the council, the web site can be used by any business within the parish to advertise and attract new business. This service is provided free of charge to all council tax and business ratepayers within the parish.

We have many businesses that could benefit from the national and international coverage that World Wide Web provides. If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer get in touch with either the clerk Lucie Luke or councillor Michael Parle.

The opinions expressed in the Burrator BEACON are not necessarily those held by Burrator Parish Council. Every effort is made to ensure that information in these pages is accurate. However, the Council cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. Including information does not imply recommendation.