From the Rector

We could do with a bit of good news, or whispers of resurrections, or sightings of green shoots (though say that too soon and it could get you into trouble). With the very real direct effect the credit crisis is having on a large number of people and the indirect effect of making the rest of us concerned about the future, we all need a dose of good news. Easter is exactly that. It is the best news. It is life changing, world changing, and does not rely on bankers, governments, or credit. It changes something that affects all of us, richest to poorest, employed or laid aside: Jesus has risen from the dead. If this was just ‘pie in the sky when we die’ it would have limited value, but the reality that countless millions have found is that the ‘here and now’ value is priceless. You see, the Easter story is just one chapter, an amazing chapter it has to be said, in a whole book of events that speak of God’s continuing relationship with us. You might want to go back to Adam and Eve or God’s long journey with the people of Israel; you might want to look again at God’s commitment to us shown in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, or just focus on the events of Holy Week - the arrest, trial, torture and execution of Jesus - if you want to see that there is a very real, human face behind God’s intentions towards us. There is no pretence in the resurrection hope. It is found in trial and suffering; it sustains us when things are difficult, impossible to bear; it is something to be lived each and every day, because resurrection is a ‘now’ event and can be lived in good times and bad. Jesus founded the Church as his continued presence on earth, and although far from perfect we want to live and demonstrate resurrection life within this parish. It could be simply praying for things that matter to you, it could be listening, it could be practical help with day to day tasks or help with particular troubles, it could be celebrating your joy with you. This is not just for those who attend church services, it is for everyone, because Jesus rose from the dead not for a chosen few but to change the whole world for all time. The resurrection is not the end of the story. Fifty days after Easter we celebrate the on-going gift of the Holy Spirit, and we at all times look forward to Christ’s return and the final chapter of all things. Meanwhile, if we can share resurrection life with you, in joy or in sorrow, please get in touch. Nick Law

What happens on …? There are various services and events during Holy Week on the peninsula, so here is a look at some of them and what happens at them.
Palm Sunday. We celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. At Bere Ferrers we will begin at the quay and use a Shetland pony as we re enact Jesus’ ride in to the holy city. There will then be a service in St Andrew’s Church.
Maundy Thursday. Our communion service at Holy Trinity will remember the last supper that Jesus had with his disciples; there will be the symbolic washing of feet, the communion service and the stripping bare of the altar and the church as we prepare for Good Friday. The Agape supper at Bere Ferrers Church Hall will explore the words of Jesus as he broke bread and shared it, poured out wine and gave it. While it is not a formal communion service, we will seek to understand ‘communion’ together.
Good Friday. Our joint walk of witness around Bere Alston reminds us of Jesus carrying his cross. We sing, read Bible verses, pray and walk. Meet at Holy Trinity. The Stations of the Cross in Holy Trinity and St Andrew’s also reminds us of that last journey. It is a quiet, moving service where we focus on the different events (stations) of Jesus’ trial and execution using visual art, word and music.
Easter Day. Our morning services begin as if we are coming to the tomb with Mary in her loss and grief which then turns to joy and celebration as we declare that Jesus is alive; ‘He is risen: he is risen indeed! Alleluia.’ In the evening at St Andrew’s we simply celebrate in word and music the great joy that comes from knowing the risen Christ. St Andrew’s Singers will lead our worship. If you have any questions about any of our services, please give me a ring on 01822 840229. Nick Law

From Rev Stuart Nixon, BAUC

Dear Friends, What does Easter mean to you? Is it a time to put the diet on hold and eat the world’s supply of chocolate? Is it a time to enjoy a long weekend? Is it an opportunity to do some spring cleaning? Or perhaps it is a time to meet up with family. Behind all these things is a deeper meaning. So as we eat the chocolate just take time to think about Jesus and his friends eating their last supper together. As we relax, imagine the freedom from the fear of death that Jesus promised. As we clean, think about Jesus as the cleaner of our sins. As we meet with family, thank God for his Father-like mercy and love for us. As we look at the eggs, consider what Jesus meant when he said, “I have come to bring life and life in all its fullness.” For Christians, Easter is as important as Christmas because it is the reason for Jesus coming to earth. His death on the cross and resurrection on Easter Sunday are the centre of what we believe so why not join us and find out the real meaning of Easter for yourself. With love in Jesus Christ, Stuart

From Rev David Rogers, BAUC

The Meaning of the Resurrection for Today It doesn’t seem a year ago I was wishing you a happy Easter, but my wishes for you remain the same for this year. I thought I would share with you a downsized meditation about Easter and The Meaning of the Resurrection for Today. I trust you will find it a help over the Easter season. The resurrection of Christ from the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea is something far more than an isolated event of the ancient past that has no significance or meaning for today. Far from being a mere historical event removed from us by more than two thousand years, the resurrection of Christ is a present reality in the light of which we must act today. Only as we see the significance of the resurrection of Christ for the past, the present, and the future can we truly understand and appreciate the message of Easter. The resurrection of Christ is something other than a trick of the supernatural magic performed by God to excite the emotions of his disciples and to amaze and antagonize his enemies. Christ’s resurrection speaks of something far more meaningful than “the promise of pie in the sky by and by,” as some have charged. The empty tomb of Christ contained a message that was vitally necessary for that age, and for every age until Christ comes back to receive his own. Christ Jesus is risen from the dead. He is present with us today. He is able to save you from sin’s penalty, which is death. He is able to save you from sin’s power and give you victory. He is able to bring the Spirit of God’s holiness and happiness into your heart and life. Today you would be wise to respond to him in faith and let him become your Saviour. Decide now to keep close to him continually and let him be your Teacher. He is the Leader who will never lead you in wrong paths. He, and he alone, can give you the victory over death and the grave and the privilege of fellowship with a loving God for eternity. With Easter Greetings, David Rogers

THEY'RE NOT HERE!

Gautama Buddha, Guru Nanak, the prophet Mohammed - you can visit the tombs of the founders of all the great world religions except one. Or rather, you can visit his tomb, but it's conspicuously empty. Right at the heart of the Christian story is nothing - an empty space. And it's that empty space which Christians all over the world celebrate at Easter. When a group of women disciples visited the tomb of Jesus on the third day after his death, they were surprised to find the huge stone at its entrance rolled back. They were even more surprised to discover a 'young man in white robes' sitting inside it. The third surprise - the greatest of them all - was what he told them. 'You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified', he said. 'He is not here; he is risen.' The women had come to anoint a corpse, but instead they were to celebrate a new life. 'Go and tell his disciples'. Nothing could more powerfully express the heart of the Easter message than those simple but mind-blowing words: 'Not here.' Rather like those women, at Easter many of us go to the cemetery or the crematorium as an act of love, to leave some flowers and perhaps say a prayer at the grave of a loved one. But in our heart of hearts we know that they are not there. They have 'gone' - but where? According to the apostle Paul, they have departed to be with Christ, which is far better. Perhaps the very best notice for the gates of a churchyard would be those simple words: 'They are not here. They are risen' - seven words that speak the heart of the Easter faith, for what was true of Jesus is true for all those whose faith is in the risen Saviour. In many a village church up and down Britain the Easter hymns are sung and the message of the resurrection celebrated in a building literally surrounded by the churchyard.. What a wonderful paradox! In the heart of the place of death we boldly assert that in the truest sense of the word those graves are as empty as was the grave of Jesus. That - not hot cross buns, chocolate rabbits or fancy bonnets - is what Easter is all about. The Final Enemy has been defeated.

Messy Church

Church, but not as you know it!! On the morning of Sunday, 19th April we will be holding the first Messy Church event on the peninsula. It will take place in Bere Alston United Church and is for kids, parents, grandparents, old, young... In fact anyone who fancies having some fun! We will start at 10.30am with a brief welcome and then everyone will be free to try their hands at various crafts and games, or just sit and ‘chill out’ for a while. You can do as much or as little as you would like. We will come together for a short time of celebration with some songs and a look at the theme for the day at about 11.40am and, after a short break while tables are set up, we will then share in a meal together at about 12.15. This is an experiment, so we have no idea how many people will come to the first morning. It may be better to hold it during the week if it is to continue, but we will have to take people’s suggestions on that. So if you’ve never been to church because you think it is boring or not for you, why not come along with your children or friends and have some fun with us. This is a joint venture with all the churches on the peninsula working together and we hope to see many new faces. We have held craft days in the past, but this is different. This is not just for the kids, but for parents to join in the fun as well. See you there! Just bring yourselves. Nothing else required! Ann Parsons 840609

Fancy a walk? 

We are looking to organise a Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in May 2010. It will involve walking about 70 miles in a week. If you are interested contact me (Nick Law) or come to an open meeting at Rectory on Wednesday 8th April at 7.30pm.  Nick Law (For those who don’t know, hundreds of years ago pilgrims used to call in at Bere Ferrers en route to Santiago de Compostela. Ed)

 

Love and Music

A Concert in aid of Macmillan Nurses Saturday 25th April at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, Bere Alston
Featuring: TUBES (Tavistock Versatile Brass Ensemble) Tyrone Piper (tenor) Simon Prout (tenor) Gill Wyatt (soprano) Tim Hampson (harpist) and Tutte Voci
Tickets £5.50, to include light refreshments, available from Bere Alston Pharmacy

SONGS FROM THE SHOWS

Saturday 9th May, 7.30pm at St Andrew's Church, Bere Ferrers  A CONCERT BY TYRONE PIPER AND SOLOISTS FROM THE PLYMOUTH GILBERT AND SULLIVAN FELLOWSHIP with accompanist Paul Foster.  It will not be a Gilbert and Sullivan concert, but a selection of music from musicals, opera and popular genres.  Tickets at £5.00 will be available from Monica Mitchell on 01822 841360 or Margaret Willmott on 840383 or from the Saturday Shop in Bere Ferrers Church Hall.

The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem THE COMMANDERY OF AVALON Registered Charity No. 1017486

Coffee Morning and Sale Saturday, 11th April, 2009 10.00am – 12.00am Admission 50p To be held at St Eustachius Parish Hall, Plymouth Road, Tavistock There will also be a display of American Medals from 1860 onwards

Parish Council

February meeting

Dog Mess in the Bere Alston Recreation Field. It was reported that there is a major problem again with dog mess in the Recreation Field. Over 30 separate 'piles' were counted on the area used as the football pitch! Owners have been seen talking in groups while their dogs were roaming free, giving rise to the question of how they know when their dogs have done a mess? Dogs must be under control while on the field and, in some cases, this is not being done. Several councillors suggested that all dogs should be kept on a lead at all times; there is a severe danger to the health of children from dog mess. It was reported that PC Callender is proposing some form of education programme for dog owners.

Digital Television switch-over. A representative of Digital TV will be in the Parish Hall between 10am and 1pm on 16th May to answer any questions about the digital switch-over.

New Footpath Guide. Cllr Bev Slaughter has nearly completed the new Footpath Guide. Several quotes from printers were discussed and a printer chosen. It is hoped to have the new guide on sale in early April.

Football Club. Council was told that a member of Bere Alston United FC continues to be abusive to villagers crossing the 'football pitch', despite the fact that it is a public area and is only available to the club on match days and training evenings. Some discussion was held about appropriate action to take and it was agreed that the club be approached and asked to deal with the matter themselves, within a certain time. If there was no cessation to the abusive behaviour, Council would take the necessary restraining action against the individual.

Special Council Meeting: 10th March Playgroup. A special meeting was called to discuss the future of the playgroup. Since the previous playgroup closed last year, a group of dedicated mothers has been trying to get it reopened. Sue Kowalska, of K & S Childcare Ltd, who will run any new group, addressed the meeting and said that Ofsted have inspected the Parish Hall and certain modifications have to be done before they can approve the opening of a new playgroup. The total cost of these modifications is £2,500, which is being paid for by a grant from Devon County Council. These modifications had to be in place or at least official orders issued before 27th March so that the new playgroup can open on 20th April. Any delay would result in the opening being put back until September. As the current landlord, the Parish Council were asked to approve these modifications. After some discussion, it was agreed to support the modifications, subject to the successful arbitration of some items. It was also agreed that, subject to a successful report on these items, Council would support the opening of the new playgroup on 20th April.

Council Meetings. Parishioners are always welcome at Council meetings and there is a question time at the end of meetings for any enquiries from parishioners. Fixed meetings are: Finance and General Purposes - always the penultimate Tuesday in the month, usually at 7.30pm and Full Council on the last Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm, unless there is a guest speaker, when the meeting starts at 7pm. For other meetings, please see the parish notice boards. Bev Slaughter

The Bounday Commission’s draft proposals for unitary government in Devon can be viewed online at www.boundarycommittee.org.uk Hard copies should also be available in libraries, council offices and information points. The committee has not finalised its conclusions and the date by which it must provide advice has been extended to the 15th July. You can enter your comments on the proposals online, by email to reviews@boundarycommittee.org.uk or in writing to Review Manager, Devon Review, The Boundary Committee for England, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2HW by the 14th May.

 

 

 

Bere Alston Gardening Club

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 1st April at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church Hall when Paul Rendell will talk on Wild Plants of Dartmoor. You do not have to be a member to attend.  Entrance is £1.00 which includes a ticket for the raffle and refreshments with home-made biscuits or cake. There will be plants for sale. This will be our last talk for the winter season. Don't forget our plant sale on 15th May when you can replace those plants which suffered from the unusually hard winter and stock up your garden for the summer. Please bring any unwanted or extra plants for our sales tables. The club shed continues to be open Sundays from 11 to midday.  Business has been brisk in spite of the squally showers of sleet or rain which do not seem to deter the gardeners of the Bere Peninsula. I understand that certain local gardens are opening their gates to the general public in aid of the  Bere Alston Hall regeneration fund. This will be at the end of May: look out for further advertised information. Bill Roxburgh

Are you proud of your Garden? You may know that the Gardening Club is organising a Garden Trail in the parish, which means that some dozen or so gardens, mostly in Bere Alston, Bere Ferrers and Weir Quay, will be open to the public on May 23 and 24 for a modest fee. Refreshments and plants will be on sale in at least two specified places. The object is to raise funds in aid of the Regeneration Project based on the much needed improvement and extension of the Parish Hall. This project is in the hands of the Bere Alston Regeneration Partnership, a non-profit making company and registered charity with local trustees, which is raising nearly half a million pounds from various grant-making sources to carry this work out. These grants are more readily forthcoming if those who will benefit from the project (that is all of us in the Parish) make an effort to help themselves raise funds, so the Gardening Club committee thought it appropriate to run the garden trail to demonstrate that we are not merely sitting and waiting for handouts. You may remember that we did a similar exercise in the Millennium year, raising money for the replacement of the Parish Hall clock. At the time of writing we have a fair number of people already signed up to the scheme, but if you would be interested in joining in, please do let me know, and I will send you details of what is involved. Gardens of all shapes, sizes and interests are welcome, and if you are interested we will come and visit you to see if and how you could fit into the scheme. My telephone number is 01822 840262. Many thanks. Geoffrey Stowell Chairman Bere Alston Gardening Club Incorporating Bere Ferrers Horticultural Society

Bere Ferrers WI

Twenty-four members gathered in the church hall to listen to Gill Parnaby's talk on Physiotherapy: Prevention is better than Cure.  Gill outlined what we could do to help ourselves. Firstly posture: we should sit well back in a chair with support in our back and feet on the ground. Ideal posture is a line from our chin to the breast bone. We should listen to our body and take note of twinges - did we overdo it in the garden yesterday? Have a rest whilst working and then carry on, but stop if you are hurting. Use long handled tools and kneelers to aid yourself. In the kitchen we can adapt the environment to suit us by using steps to reach items or moving items to a more convenient height to prevent injury. We need to exercise to keep active and yes, we will creak as we get older! Audience participation was enjoyed when Gill introduced neck, back and tummy exercises. Audrey Lashbrook thanked her and then we all had refreshments. NEXT MEETING: Wednesday 8th April at 7.30pm: Flirting with Fans with Penny Townsend. Kate Harman

Our WI Camera Group Exhibition will be held in the Hazel Room on Saturday 9th May, 10am to 4pm. 

Chatterbox

Having completed the First Aid Course in January we have been taking a rest from formal courses but have continued meeting for coffee and a chat each week. The Usbourne Books rep visited us during World Book Week in March and gave us an introductory talk on the importance of books and types of books to introduce all ages to. This was very informative and also raised some money towards our funds. We have also had a craft afternoon making bunting to use in the Parish Hall during carnival events. By the time you read this the sponsored bounce will have taken place on 21st March – I hope it has raised lots of money to be shared equally between Chatterbox and TiddlyWinks Toddler group. In the next few weeks we have planned:- A movie and pizza afternoon on 3rd April – movie still being decided on but please all bring bean bags to relax on! A trial at making our own juggling balls and learning how to juggle by Hannah –one of our Mum’s –this should be great fun. A taster handbell ringing session on 15th May. We are looking into running a parenting/child development course. We have been busy creating awareness for Chatterbox in the community through a talk given to the Yelverton Rotary Club and also our stand at the WDBC community fair held at Bere Alston School, which many local families attended. Emily—one of our parents—has also brought us into the present day and organised a ‘Facebook group’ for Chatterbox members to communicate through. If you are interested in joining us on a Friday from 1-2.45pm please drop in at Hope Cottage Café. For more information on courses or anything to do with Chatterbox Parents Group please contact Julie Overnell on 01822 840452 or email:- jjeo@hotmail.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you. Julie Overnell

 

Bere Peninsula Players

Peninsula Players Workshops Adults and young people who were involved in the 2008 pantomime and this years’ production of Oliver have shown considerable interest in producing a wider range of productions. They have also recognised that the development of new skills would also be useful. In response to this, we will be starting theatre workshops that will take place in the Parish Hall on Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The evening will change to our usual Thursday in the autumn. Workshops will cost just 50p to cover the hire of the hall and are open to children in year 4 and above. We also encourage as many adults to get involved as possible. We have some great productions in mind for them too! Each week will be different and every week will be FUN so come along and give it a go! The first workshop will take place on Wednesday 25th March. Finally, just a little note for those who might be concerned. We recognise the value of Bere Alston Theatre Group and never intend to challenge anything they do. This peninsula is big enough to support two groups!

Bere Ferrers Social Club

Events for April The events planned for April include a Disco on Saturday 4th, Critters Duo on Saturday 11th, Bingo on Tuesday 14th, Karaoke on Saturday 18th and the monthly quiz on Tuesday 28th. Why not come along and join us one evening? You would be assured of a warm welcome.

 

Local Walks

No.65: Railway Embankment near Ferry Farm to Footpath No.63 (via Ward Mine) Southwest of Braunder Farm

The path starts from the lane leading to Ferry Farm, opposite Calstock, heading in a westerly direction. Passing through the gate into the field, keeping the hedge on your right, follow along the bottom of the fields until you come to the lane leading into North Ward Farm. Cross over and go through the metal gate facing you alongside North Ward Cottage. Carrying on along the green lane with Chelfham School on your left. You will then come to a stile: go over that and you are in a field with the River Tamar visible through the trees on your right. Walk along the bottom of the field to another stile. The route now passes through a stretch of woodland on the river bank opposite Cotehele Quay. The path swings uphill on the left to a gate leading to Ward Mine House. Here you will find several picnic tables, with the words Ramblers’ Rest carved on one, so a nice spot to stop and have some refreshments if you have them with you. Passing in front of the house and out onto the road leading down to South Ward, pause for a moment and look across at the lovely view on the Cornish side. When you come to South Ward the house will be facing you. Go to the left of it to a gate leading into a field. You now cross two fields along the bottom of a very steep hill before entering a stretch of woodland once again on the bank of the river. Leaving the wood through a metal gate you are now in the last field of the path. This field now has a wire fence dividing it but just keep to the bottom edge and make your way to the far corner where the way marker will point you up a very steep hill. Look for a little metal gate on your right, go round or through it down to a little bridge crossing over the gully, up the other side through the last gate to footpath number 63. Doris Chapman

WEIR QUAY SAILING CLUB

The Sailing Club Sails On! By now, many people will be aware that the club is no longer occupying the building that has been the centre of activities for over 30 years. Despite this involuntary change, the club aspires to flourish and looks to the future with optimism. As with all vibrant groups, it is the members who are the essence or spirit of the club and the members are determined that the club will continue to offer a range of water based activities throughout the year. Weir Quay Sailing Club has a number of objectives: the first is declared in the constitution quite clearly as to foster the interest of sailing. An unstated but implied objective is to ensure club members enjoy their time on the water. For the forthcoming season, the club is expanding the range of dinghy and cruiser activities to follow the declared purposes. Not only will there be cruises for dinghies and yachts of all sizes, but also a range of combined events which encourage a wider perspective on getting wet! The club activities do not stop when the normal ‘sailing season’ ends but continue throughout the winter: the frostbite series is for the hardy dinghy sailors who wish to race through until the New Year; a number of talks entertain club members and guests during the darker winter months; and the Cadets continue to meet monthly, when a wide range of boat-orientated topics are presented with a little bit of education thrown in for good measure. The club owns a range of dinghies which can be used by all club members and are used extensively on most Friday evenings throughout the summer when Cadet training takes place. Dinghies are available to suit all capabilities and range from fairly sedate family dinghies to thoroughbred, all out, racing machines. The Cadet training is in conjunction with Cargreen Yacht Club with the objective of improving sailing skills, having fun and obtaining RYA qualifications. During the summer, in addition to camping weekends, the club is planning to raise funds for a further two-man dinghy by holding a 24 hour sponsored dinghy sailing marathon. As there are many Sailing Club members living on or near the Bere Peninsula, it is hoped that the community will continue to provide support to the sailing club in its endeavours and new members are most welcome. Please visit our web site for more information or merely ask around, you may be surprised who are members! www.weirquaysailingclub.co.uk

A THEMED CONNECT SURGERY COMING NEAR YOU!

West Devon Connect’s outreach surgeries are to showcase their partner organisations with special themed months over the next year. Every month, one or more of our West Devon Connect partners will be taking a lead role at every outreach surgery across the Borough. As always a West Devon Borough Council Outreach Worker will be available to assist with any enquiries about council and public services. The surgeries are events which bring together many different agencies and organisations into a local venue, taking public services into the heart of the Borough’s more rural communities. Devon Wheels 2 Work is the first organisation to step into the spotlight. The not-for-profit company loans out scooters, motorcycles and mopeds for six month periods and beyond, enabling beneficiaries to get on their feet and ultimately afford to buy their own transport. It means that people who lack public transport in their area are able to get to places of training, education and employment. They are funded by many organisations including Devon County Council. Organisations taking part in the themed month events are: April: Devon Wheels 2 Work May: Age Concern & the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing June: Primary Care Trust (Health Improvement) & Community Voluntary Services July : Local Transport August: Devon & Cornwall Police September: Housing Advice Team October: West Devon Connect November: Devon Care and Repair & South West Water December: Devon & Somerset Fire Service January 2010: Devon County Council - Family & Children Information Service February 2010: South West Pound & Citizens Advice Bureau March 2010: Job Centre Plus & Pension Service Connecting with you – where and when: Bere Alston, Hope Cottage Café 10am - 12noon (2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month).

Jazz with Attitude

The villagers of Bere Ferrers were treated to the soulful jazz of the Louise Parker Quartet recently, courtesy of Villages in Action. A packed church hall enjoyed a programme of contrasts. Louise, their lead singer, has a wide vocal range so the introduction, a powerful delivery of ‘Night and day’, was soon followed by foot-tapping ‘Good morning heartache’, a new release for 2009. Her seductive dulcet tones emerged as she sang her parents’ favourite ‘I’m gonna love you, come rain or come shine’, and an arresting performance of ‘Love me or leave me’ followed her reminiscences of the late Humphrey Lyttleton, her mentor. An extract from Porgy and Bess was interrupted by the ringing tone of her mobile phone, much to the audience’s amusement. This event was followed by a Billie Holliday number: ‘Them their eyes’. The hall had been decorated in an attractive bistro style, and a selection of tasty cheeses and accompaniments were enjoyed throughout the evening. During the second set there was a high octane delivery of a reggae jazz piece, backed by percussionist ‘Coach’ York, bass player Al Swainger, with Craig Milverton on keyboard. An earthy rendition of ‘Hall Blues’ plus the group’s magnetic version of ‘Summertime’ from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess had the audience riveted. By special request Louise performed ‘Cry me a river over you’. Jazz all-time greats received the Parker makeover magic, resulting in an intriguing mix of mean but meaningful jazz. At times tsunami of sound overwhelmed her appreciative audience. Louise chose a slow blues number as a finale and, hedging her bets, a fast one as an encore. Bob Turner, on presenting Louise with a bouquet, remarked it was his greatest jazz moment to date. Certainly she lived up to her reputation as an extrovert professional. The sound of the quartet in action was unforgettable. Anne Turner was thanked and presented with a bouquet by Marcel Kelly for organising another evening of musical delights, profits from which were in aid of the Bere Ferrers Villagers Group. Betty Endean

The Big Breakfast

Dotty Allen and members of BATS pulled out all the stops on Saturday, 14th March, when they organised a huge breakfast special lasting a marathon four hours. Held in the Parish Hall in Bere Alston, there was a continual stream of folk eager to sample the appetising home-cooked food. In addition there was a cake stall and an enormous raffle. Sincere thanks to all who donated prizes and who helped make this fundraising event so enjoyable and successful. £400 was raised for the NSPCC.

HOMES FOR GOOD 2009

An important diary date for anyone involved in environmental issues, building, planning or design of the built environment - homes and gardens.   Homes for Good 2009 - the region's leading sustainable building, home and garden exhibition - is at Westpoint, Exeter from Friday 17th to Saturday 18th April.  New and revolutionary 'green technology' with over 100 exhibitors and FREE demos for trade and consumer. All under one roof at an impressive new venue in the heart of the West Country Expert advice, products and services - sustainable building, renewable energy, energy efficiency, insulation, sustainable gardens etc. Sponsored by Energy Saving Trust, Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, Forestry Commission  SIMPLY BOOK ONLINE NOW AND BUY TWO TICKETS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE  at www.homesforgood.info   Tickets £5 Concessions £2 Under 16s go FREE.

Nature Watch

LATE SPRING, BUT READY FOR THE OFF!
Looking back over previous years’ nature notes, I seem to be looking forward to the arrival of the chiff-chaff, or reporting its arrival, about now. Glancing around the lanes this year, though, hardly bodes well for an early arrival. The 'greenery' mainly relates to those plant species with a tough outer layer on the surface of the leaves: ivy, hart's-tongue fern, bramble etc. All is not lost though: poking through the thick layer of dead leaves from the more delicate species, the early shoots and even a few flowers are beginning to show through, especially where the banks catch the rays of early spring sun. Amongst the rosettes of primroses and celandines the first bright green shoots of Dog's Mercury are pushing their way upwards. Not very attractive plants I must admit, usually overlooked as even the flowers are green. They do however grow in large patches of single-sex flowers, easily distinguishable by the presence of male feathery stamens or the alternative round ovules. Meanwhile down at the pond nothing much was happening, certainly so far as frog spawn was concerned, despite the fact that a neighbour's pond was already occupied! I am not sure why we have been deserted this year. Over at the Garden House in Buckland Monachorum on one of their 'snowdrop weekends' there must have been over a hundred in their large pond and in the South Hams a colleague reported that they appeared over-eager to proceed. They had paired up, with the males already grasping their mate, 'piggy-back fashion' from above. when they were still some distance from open water! Retrieving a plastic flower pot that had blown into our pond over the winter, I noticed that it had already become colonized by some of the pond's inhabitants. Several patches of snail eggs were already firmly attached to the surface of the pot, like a smaller version of frog spawn perhaps 2cm in length, with up to 50 little embryo snails in a wiggly line along the middle. I assume that they belong to the lesser pond snail that seems to be the main mollusc in the habitat: about 1cm in length with five whorls to the shell coming to a sharp point. There is a larger species that I have seen in ponds in the area, which may reach 5cm, but I have not seen the rams-horn species where the whorls form a flat coil. (There is a total of 40 freshwater species.) They feed by grazing on the thin film of alga that encrusts the lining of the pond, pondweed and anything else that falls in! A few insect larvae were also present: mostly young damsel or dragonfly nymphs, recognisable by their prominent jaws. I have always suspected that some of our tadpoles fall prey to these in later life, though the balance of nature should ensure that enough survive to reproductive age. Of the larger predatory species that I have seen recently, sparrowhawks seem to be particularly active. You don't get very much time to 'get your eye in' with this species: they usually fly low and very fast, skimming the surface of a field, flipping over the hedge to weave their way along the road before disappearing over the next hedge! Any small birds in their path have little chance of escape, though their chorus of alarm calls may well be sufficient to disrupt the hunt. If you do see such a bird, either slate-grey and 30cm long or brown and 40cm (male and female respectively), very streamlined and travelling at 30 mph, you can be pretty sure what it is. Spring may be some weeks late, but everything should begin to move by the time this is published! Pete Mayston

Why Easter chocolate and wine are good for you

As Lent comes to an end, and you reach for your Easter chocolate, here's some great news: eating chocolate and drinking wine or tea can improve your memory. In recent research, people who regularly consume modest amounts of all three performed best in a series of brain tests. Apparently chocolate, wine and tea all contain micronutrients called flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of dementia. But - the bad news is that the positive effects of wine level out after just half a glass, while all your brain needs is four squares of chocolate. Better put the kettle on!

Stay alert!

Here are some simple tips to keep your mind active: 1. Each night, spend a few moments recalling the events of your day. Write them down, if you like. Then - try and remember what happened yesterday! 2. What was the sermon about last Sunday? 3. Read on a regular basis - it keeps your language skills active. 4. Mix with other people. Too much prolonged solitude can even lead to confusion. 5. Eat fish, nuts, fruit, vegetables, chocolate... they all boost mental reaction times.

April Diary