From the Rector

Whit Sunday, Pentecost, is celebrated on 31st May, 50 days after Easter, ten days after Ascension Day, and bringing to a close a sort of ‘limbo time’ for the first disciples. Jesus appeared to as many as 500 at one time, but he was not there all the time, not available as he was before Good Friday. A new way of relating needed to take place and Jesus had the answer for that, the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the defining characteristic of all Christians; not the gifts of the Spirit, or even the fruit of the Spirit, but the Holy Spirit dwelling in your life. It makes sense, of course, to work with God the Holy Spirit to grow in your faith, love and obedience of God, and after a while those around you should be able to see the difference being a Christian makes in your life as God challenges and changes your attitudes and outlook on life. God has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us in our personal journey, we need to practice and be attentive in our listening. The Holy Spirit is also a gift to the whole Church, again to challenge and change us. The first disciples were transformed from people hiding away in locked rooms to those who would proclaim with authority the wonderful work of God, and on their first occasion 3000 new converts were made. It gave them boldness in the face of opposition and courage in the face of persecution. The Holy Spirit continues to lead and guide the Church and we need to practice and be attentive in our listening. One of the events on the first Pentecost was that the many different nationalities present in Jerusalem (Pentecost was an important Jewish Festival) could each understand the message the disciples spoke in their own language. The disciples were not well educated and able to speak all the different languages, but the Holy Spirit made it possible for those listening to understand. Today we need the Holy Spirit as much as ever, personally and as a Church. We need to use the gifts of the Spirit that God has for us and to grow in the likeness of Christ as the fruit of the Spirit grows in us. We also need to be able to talk the different ‘languages’ that are used in our community so that each can understand and respond. I don’t mean learning foreign languages but being able to present the gospel in ways that will engage with different groups who have no idea what we are talking about. There are those who used to come to church, those who have no idea what church is about, those with bad memories of church, those who think church is no longer relevant, the young, the 20’s, middle aged and old. We need the Holy Spirit to teach us how to communicate the unchanging Good News of Jesus in ways that to this day will cause people to come to Christ themselves. Nick Law Rector

Diocese 1100th Anniversary Celebration Day
On 27th June at Exeter Cathedral and surrounding areas, between 2000 to 4000 pilgrims of all denominations are expected to attend a special day of celebration. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, is celebrating and preaching at the Eucharist at 11.30am on the Cathedral Green. In 909 a bishop was first sent to serve the Church in Devon. All who live in the county are in some way heirs of that event. This service is the main opportunity in this 1100th anniversary year for all Christians to celebrate their common heritage in an act of worship involving specially written music and drama. Lunch stations and a beer tent will be available on the Green from 1pm. Seminars on relevant issues for God’s mission in Devon will be on offer across the city centre from 3-4.30pm. Jim Bailey will be leading an exciting multi-media and interactive children's celebration in the Bishop's Palace Garden from 2.30-4.45pm for children aged 5-11. Life on the Beach events will take place on the Cathedral Green from 2-5pm, with everything from jazz musicians, acrobats, dancers, mime artists and singers to alphorns! Songs of Praise, led by Judi Spiers, will take place on the Cathedral Green from 5.15pm, followed by a concert with AJ’s Big Band at 7pm. There are a number of folk from our peninsula going to Exeter on the day, including some of St Andrew’s Singers, who will be part of the special choir for the Eucharist service. If you would like to go, please let Nick Law know so that shared transport can be arranged if possible.

Dear Friends, The summer is fast approaching. We will be hoping for long, sunny and warm days with plenty of opportunities to get outside and appreciate the wonderful place in which we live. Having recently been to two other places (Windermere in the Lake District and Lee Abbey, North Devon) I again realise what a lovely country we are blessed to live in. Of course we also have to remember that not everyone in this country is so fortunate. Urban and rural deprivation will increase as the financial crisis continues. This will mean that many who work hard or have no job to go to will not get the benefits of time or money to enjoy the beauty so close by. We also have to remember those who live in countries where the luxury of walking on the moors becomes the drudgery of walking 10-15km across wilderness for water, which may be unsafe to drink. So whilst in general we have much to give God thanks for we must also pray for those who are not so fortunate and also think about what we can practically do to help. With love in Jesus, Rev Stuart Nixon BA United Church

We can learn to distinguish God’s voice As we saw last month, we must learn to recognise God’s voice in our lives. Normal healthy people do hear from God! As he speaks directly to our hearts and minds, it takes time and training to sift through all the messages we receive to discern his voice. The Lord called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realised that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.' " (1 Samuel 3:8-9). Like Samuel, we will need to learn to be attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives. A personal relationship with God lies at the heart of this. In any relationship we need to be hearing each other if communication is to take place. Otherwise we simply end up with a monologue! God can speak to anyone. God does not restrict his voice to spiritual giants like Billy Graham or Mother Theresa. God can speak to anyone, but he will do so according to his way and timing, as we cannot demand it. Even Mother Theresa admitted that there were long periods of her life when God was not obviously speaking to her! God’s voice can be recognised. People often ask, ‘how can I know if it is God speaking and not my imagination?’ God will always speak in a way that is consistent with the following characteristics: His character: is what he says in agreement with God’s character? (eg. he will not promote fear or anxiety) Scripture: is it in line with what the Bible says? (eg God would not encourage adultery) Who God made me to be: is it consistent with my gifts and personality? Love: does it encourage loving not selfish action? In a noisy world, what challenges do you find in listening to God? Creating space and silence is important for all of us in this.

GARDEN PARTY As part of the Methodist Circuit’s 200th anniversary, there will be a Garden Party at Hope Cottage on Saturday, 20th June from 2pm to 4pm, to which everyone is invited. Tutte Voci will be singing a few songs during the afternoon at approximately 3pm. Let’s hope the weather will be kind to us! There will also be a Circuit Treasure Hunt in July. More details next month.

Bere Local History Group

The speaker for the April meeting was Tom Sobey, who works as an information officer at Postbridge Information Centre and as a Dartmoor guide. He was therefore well-versed in the myths and legends of Dartmoor—his subject for the evening. His interesting talk was illustrated with slides. He talked in detail not only of the well-known legends associated with this desolate wilderness, but of lesser-known myths which were intertwined with his expert local knowledge. Naturally, or maybe unnaturally, Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, reputed to be based at Fox Tor Mires, was mentioned, as was the evil Squire Cabel of Buckfast. On the squire’s death in 1677 people were so afraid his soul would escape that his tomb was weighted down and enclosed! The ancient oak wood near Two Bridges, known as Wistman’s Wood, has a chilly atmosphere even on a hot summer’s day. It is rumoured that unbaptised souls were driven into its depths by hounds. Mr Sobey regaled his audience with tales of the unexpected, including the notorious Judge Jeffries, who hung his prisoners first, then passed sentence later. Lydford Castle was a dreaded prison from which no-one escaped alive. The Lydford Tinners were also merciless if anyone disobeyed their laws, for example cheated on assaying. Three moulten spoonsful of tin were poured down the unfortunate wretch’s throat. Rough justice indeed. The church of St Michael de Rupe, built on a pinnacle of a volcanic rock at Brentor, is a landmark for miles around, but on a wild winter’s day one can easily believe the tale that a drowning sailor prayed to God that if he should be saved from shipwreck he would build a church in his honour. The result, this particular church, which incidentally is dissected by ley lines. Even Cranmere Pool has its own legend. Apparently a man named Benjie Gayer sold his soul to the devil, who then gave him a sieve to drain the pool. However, he cheated the devil by lining the sieve with leaves. In more recent times a James Perriman sited the first ‘letterbox’ there. Many stones which have unusual formations have myths associated with them. One near Scorhill has a circular hole and if you make a wish as you wriggle through it is claimed it will cure ailments such as arthritis. It could possibly generate a few more! One legend which is obviously good for business it that a fire has been burning at the Warren House Inn for over 200 years. People travel from far and wide to see this phenomenon. One tale told by Mr Sobey of which no-one had heard involved the Dew Pond at Higher Cherrybrook Bridge, known locally as Hairy Hands Bridge. A doctor called out to an emergency at Postbridge had to struggle to keep his bike and sidecar on the road at this spot for no apparent reason. Five years later a soldier had the same experience, declaring ‘hairy hands’ had forced him off the road. Never fear, the road and bridge have since been altered and no more abnormal happenings have occurred. Childe’s Cross records the place where a rich man, John Childe from Plymstock, died, but in unusual circumstances. In the reign of King Edward III he had been hunting in the Forest of Dartmoor in a harsh winter when he lost his way in a blizzard. In order to survive he killed his horse, disembowelled it and crept inside the carcass. Unfortunately he still froze to death. A passer-by found him and reported the death to the monks of Tavistock Abbey, who hastened to collect the body and interred it in the abbey church, thereby becoming entitled to inherit Childe’s fortunes and his lands in Plymstock. Mr Sobey also mentioned the heartbreaking tale of Kitty Jay’s grave, sited near Manaton. In the 1800s a young unmarried servant girl, on finding herself with child, in desperation hung herself. She was buried in unconsecrated ground at a crossroads just outside the parish boundary but, strange to tell, you can find fresh flowers there every day of the year. Uncannily, no-one is seen placing them there. This legend has recently been perpetuated in a folk song composed by local traditional singer Seth Lakeman and naturally the CD is a hit! The talk and slide show ended with a sunset over Dartmoor and a spectacular view of floodlit Okehampton bypass. The next meeting will be on Monday, 29th June. Everyone is welcome. Betty Endean

Parish Council

April meeting
Concessionary Rail Fares on Tamar Valley Line: Councillors and parishioners were encouraged to contact Cllr Robin Musgrave about concessionary fares on our railway line, following an article in last month’s Bere Link. It appears that 46% of the population in England enjoy concessionary rail fares, but West Devon Borough Council are reluctant to introduce it here. Playgroup: Council is still liaising with the playgroup about several items that need action or clarification. Parish Hall Hire Charges: The new charges were approved by Council. Details are available from the Parish Clerk. Fire Inspection: The Parish Hall has had a comprehensive inspection by a qualified fire officer and several recommendations have to be implemented to make the hall safer and up to date with current legislation. Some of these recommendations will be done immediately. Tavistock Rail Link Provisional Timetable: Cllrs B Lamb and B Slaughter presented a draft reply to the provisional timetable issued by Kilbride Community Rail recently, mainly about the timing of some of the trains, the lack of stopping trains at Bere Ferrers and the inadequate rolling stock proposed. Council agreed with the letter and this has now been sent to Kilbride as the Council’s official response. Unitary Proposal: Council again discussed the proposal for a Unitary Devon and agreed that we should support the current structure, as there generally appears to be nothing wrong with the way this is working. Annual General Meeting: The Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 5th May to elect council officers for the next twelve months. The new Chairmen are: Chairman of Council for 2009-10: Cllr John Reddecliff Vice-Chairman of Council: Cllr Hilary Boot-Handford Finance & General Purposes: Cllr Raymond Piper Recreation: Cllr Bev Slaughter Plans: Cllr Brian Lamb Footpaths & Environment: Cllr Doris Chapman Cemetery: Cllr Jane Nash Properties: Cllr Helena Rogers Some other appointments associated with groups within the Parish: Observers to the Bere Alston Regeneration Project: Cllrs B Lamb and H Boot-Handford Tenants & Residents’ Association: Cllrs J Reddecliff and H Boot-Handford Tamar Valley AONB and Friends of Weir Quay: Cllr E Wager Bere Ferrers Villagers’ Group: Cllrs J Reddecliff and B Slaughter Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership: Cllr B Lamb Bere Link reporter: Cllr B Slaughter 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

Concession Fares on the Tamar Valley Line
I would refer to Mr Ray Bentley’s article in the May edition of the Bere Link and his proposal for the concessionary fares scheme to be extended to include the Tamar Valley Line. I would particularly like to correct his suggestion that I have ‘declined to take the matter further’. This is incorrect and I was disappointed to read this comment having had extensive discussions and emails with Mr Bentley on an ongoing basis since my election to the council. I will be giving fuller details and the borough council’s current policies in its administration of the scheme in next month’s Bere Link. In the meantime I would be delighted to receive any views or comments that Bere Link readers may have on this issue. I would make you aware that I am also hoping to progress incorporating the following categories of travel within the scheme and would be equally interested in your views on this: Rural bus travel services where the infrequent service forces passengers to travel prior to 9.30 am Carers who are accompanying people with disabilities The Ring & Ride Scheme Robin Musgrave – Phone: (01822) 841064 Email: Cllr.robin.musgrave@westdevon.gov.uk

 

 

Bere Alston Gardening Club

  The annual summer coach trip will take place on Sunday 21st June, departing from the school at 9.30am. We will be going to Plant World and the new Trago Mills Garden Park at Newton Abbot. The cost will be £10.00 per person and a £5.00 non-returnable deposit will be collected when you book. Bookings can be made through any of the committee members. Please note that we do not have monthly meetings from May to September. Bill Roxburgh

Bere Ferrers WI

Nineteen members attended the NFWI Resolutions Meeting with our speaker Heather Harvey on Wednesday l3th May. Heather outlined the Honeybees SOS Resolution to urge HM Government to increase research and funding for the future of the honeybee. Ten million pounds has already been put forward and promised by the present Government. The honeybee is in great danger from pesticides, the varroa mite and climate change. Put to the floor, the resolution was passed unanimously. A l960s discussion followed this, which involved each person revealing a little anecdote of what they were doing at that time - very amusing! Cheese and wine ended a good evening - so you missed out again! We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 10th June for The Work of Shelter Box.   Kate Harman

Chatterbox

I am writing this at the end of a very busy Carnival Week. Yes, we won First Prize in the artistic category with our float created together with TiddlyWinks Toddler Group. During April and May we have been busy making fish, lighthouses etc and decorations for the float. All the effort was worth it to be part of the procession through the village – with diversions to avoid the bees! We all had a great time. There was a great atmosphere on the procession and a great carnival tea in the Parish Hall afterwards. The bunting in the Parish Hall really cheered the hall. Ours was on display along with those made by other groups within the area. Fun Day at the school was another great day and we raised some money on our stall, again run with TiddlyWinks. The children enjoyed the bouncy castle and the attractions around the arena. We had a taster session at handbell ringing on 22nd May led by the Bere Alston Handbell Ringers. We have sowed our sunflower seeds and they are getting bigger, ready to be transplanted into the cottage garden. We will be celebrating our first birthday on Friday 5th June. You are all invited to our birthday party (hopefully in Hope Cottage Garden, depending on the weather!) for coffee and cake. We have many plans and ideas for future weeks including running a parenting/child development course, a trip to Fowey, a swimming trip to Meadowlands and a Strictly get dancing session. We are also involved in the BereCom group who are organising the live band event on 27th June. Hopefully this will become an annual fundraiser for any group within the village to be involved in. This year’s live band is Gruff Nuts. Do look out for the bright posters with information displayed around the village. If you are a parent of a preschool age child and are interested in meeting other parents in the area please come along to Chatterbox on Fridays 1-2.45pm in Hope Cottage Café. For further information please contact me, Julie Overnell, on 01822 840452 or email jjeo@hotmail.co.uk

Gruff Nuts

GRUFF NUTTS TO PLAY AT HOG ROAST The very popular local group Gruff Nuts are to play at a hog roast in Bere Alston on 27th June. The event, from 7.30pm, has been organised by a newly formed committee within the community of Bere Alston called BereCom (Bere Alston Community). The committee is made of up three members from village groups, Tiddly Winks Toddler Group, Chatterbox Parents Group, and Bere Alston Regeneration Partnership, all of whom are individually supporting the event. The aim of the group is to promote the individual committees, initiate networking within those groups, enabling fund raising whilst encouraging community spirit. It is hoped that if the event is successful other groups will join the committee. BereCom would like the event to be annual and hope the first event will be a success and well attended. Gruff Nuts will play for two sessions with music in between. On sale will be hog roast with freshly cooked pork, burgers and a vegetarian alternative, as well as a beer tent with real Jail Ale on sale. It will be an all weather open-air event at Collytown, near Bere Alston, so in case of rain bring your wellies! The prices of the tickets are £5 adult (15years upward) £3 5–15years, under 5s free. A real family event! The tickets are available from committee members and local shops within Bere Alston. For more information contact Julie Marks on mummy_marks@hotmail.com or 01822 840349.

 

Bere Ferrers Social Club

 

Bere Alston Bowling Club

Our friendly matches so far are going well and Captain Mike Emptage is a happy chappy with only one match lost and five wins, so let’s keep it going. Not a great deal to tell this month as bowling is the priority and not much more going on. The grass on the New Green is beginning to grow and is now looking distinctively green. Have you been down to see it yet? It’s well worth a stroll down to have a look. I have said before that when talking about bowling many people say ‘I would love to have a go at that’. If you are one of those people, but are a bit shy and apprehensive, why not have a private one-to-one session with one of our coaches and see how you get on. It’s completely free, no obligation and it’s fun and painless. Just ring the number at the end of this article and speak to Ken. The new season is under way so if you fancy bowling this summer now is your chance to come and join us. Established bowlers or mere beginners, all get equal opportunities to play. Social members are also welcome. Club Nights are every Tuesday. The bar is always open, so come along, have a drink in a warm friendly atmosphere, and meet the members. We promise not to bite. Tony Beard is coming to Bere Alston. The well known and popular presenter from Radio Devon is coming to give a talk. The place is the Parish Hall, the date is Friday 17th July, the time 7.30pm. Ticket prices have yet to be agreed so keep your eyes open for the posters around the village. I saw him recently at Buckland Abbey and I can promise it will be a great evening. For enquiries call me on 841664 or visit our website at www.geocities.com/berealstonbowlingclub Club Chairman, Ken Bellchambers

Bere Ferrers Watersports

Hoping for Dry Weather at Bere Ferrers Watersports! Organisers of the Bere Ferrers Watersports are hoping for good weather for this year’s fun day, after two years of pouring rain and high winds! Last year’s event was a washout, but then, it is called Watersports! This year’s fun day is on Saturday 6th June at Bere Ferrers. The day kicks off at 3pm with the first game starting in the river mud. As usual, the barbecue will be open for burgers, hot dogs and bacon butties. The bar on the Quay, run by The Olde Plough Inn, will be selling non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, including real ale from the Sharp’s and St Austell breweries. Some of the delights awaiting children will be a bouncy castle and face painting. As the tide comes in, the popular crabbing competition off the quay starts at about 4.30pm, with two age classes. There will be several stalls catering for almost every whim and, talking about catering, the WI will be manning a refreshment stall. The usual renowned Bere Ferrers raffle will be run in two parts; one in the afternoon and the other in the evening. The popular static motor cycle display, featuring some vintage models, always gathers a crowd, as do the antics of the teams who fight it out in mud and, later, water to be the best team of the day. The games culminate in the hugely popular Greasy Pole, with combatants knocking each other into the rising waters of the Tavy. If you fancy entering a team of four, contact Trevor Grinstead at Bere Ferrers Post Office as soon as possible. After a short respite, the barbecue becomes the hog roast at 7pm, the bar continues selling drinks and the evening entertainment starts. There is an abundance of musical talent on stage during the evening: headline band is Kitty and the Lost Boys, a well-known local band; the Tavy Tars will be singing a few shanties; duo Happy Sundays and the village’s own group, the Bere Band, will be performing. Bands will play from 7pm until 11pm, with fireworks to follow. A disco will finish the event up to midnight. There’s always a lot of fun at Watersports Day, so if you haven’t been before, give it a try – but keep your fingers crossed for good weather and lots of sun! Bev Slaughter

Bere Peninsula Residents

Results of Road Survey: Out of 250 surveys sent out 100 were returned. Thank you to those who took part. Interestingly, only 50% of responses stated a problem with parking or speeding on the peninsula. Broad Park Road in Bere Alston was of most concern and considered particularly dangerous where the new building work is taking place at Nos 77-83. Here the road narrows and previously planned pavements have not been established. Original planning permission stated that new houses could not be occupied until footpaths were put in. New plans submitted do not have footpaths on them! West Devon Highways will be made aware of this. Many people suggested a one way system through Fore Street, Bere Alston. It was agreed at the Bere Peninsula Residents Association meeting on the 25th March that this would probably encourage speeding and cause inconvenience to some residents. With regard to parking problems in Fore Street, a lorry loading bay would be an advantage but, as pointed out in West Devon Highways’ recent letter, ‘as residents do not seem to respect existing lines etc, they would probably ignore new ones’. Traffic bumps to control speeding were a popular suggestion, but WDH say these impair and damage emergency vehicles, and the need for low gears and increased acceleration to pass over them increases pollution. Many requested speed cameras, but the price makes this option impossible. A Scarfe System will be periodically implemented by our local police officers. Regarding certain parking ‘Hot Spots’, it would seem that it is local residents themselves who are responsible for inconsiderate parking. In certain areas access for emergency vehicles could be seriously impeded and parking across bus stops and pavement access for buggies and wheelchairs causes great difficulties at times. Many complained about the narrow winding ‘Devon lanes’ but in fact, as WDH pointed out, these have a natural traffic calming effect, as do potholes! (My aside.) It was felt that there need to be clear signs to Pilgrim Drive car park and recycling facilities. The present one is hidden in tree foliage and even then can only be seen from one direction. A request will be made to WDH to re-assess signage. With regard to the state of the roads, ie flooding etc, WDH have been attending to the worst affected areas. In certain areas which are hazardous to pedestrians, virtual pavements have been requested. WDH do not feel this is necessary, as no accidents have been reported. They will be receiving a further request from us for virtual pavements in certain areas of Broad Park Road, and the blind bend on Station Road. The proposed bike rack in Bere Alston seems to have been ‘a good idea for others but we don’t have a bike’ for the majority. So the idea is being shelved. We are sending a copy of the survey results to WDH, which will include residents’ actual comments and suggestions. A full version of the survey results will be made available in Hope Cottage Café, Bere Alston, which is open 10am-12:30pm, Monday—Saturday. Please note: our next Residents Association meeting will be held on Wednesday 10th June at 7pm in Hope Cottage, Bere Alston, when we look forward to hearing your views for positive change in our community. Janet Parfitt

Regeneration Project

NEARLY THERE! The Partnership, set up to redevelop the Parish Hall, providing new community facilities for young people, skills training and local groups, is holding its Annual General Meeting on Friday 10th July at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall in Bere Alston. It has been a challenging year for the group, with the folding of the Bere Valley playgroup and therefore a significant part of the charity’s business plan for the new Hall. The trustees of the charity worked hard with other members of the community, Devon County Council, West Devon Homes, the parish council and the new proprietor, The Cabin Childcare Centre, to bring about the opening of the new centre for the children of the village. A lot of hard work has also gone into the application for grants from a myriad of organisations, which has meant promises of £30,000 by West Devon Borough Council and £250,000 by Devon County Council. This has resulted in the group being only £108,000 short of its target needed to start the build and the trustees are hoping that a positive announcement may be on the cards at the AGM. We are always on the lookout for new trustees to support the existing group. Ideas and help towards fundraising are always welcome. Look out for the Hog Roast in June!

Attention All Organisers of Societies, Clubs and Events on the Bere Peninsula

We are all finding it hard to pick dates for local events and so often two activities are scheduled on the same day or evening, but did you know that Bere Ferrers Social Club has a diary especially for us all to use. The club books entertainments up to a year in advance and members and non-members alike are asked to come and check or pick dates. Church activities, the pubs and all clubs and societies dates should also be put in this diary as early as possible so that those organising one-off events can pick a clear day. If we use this as the village/peninsula diary we should avoid many double bookings and so enable many more of us to enjoy the wide variety of activities the Bere Peninsula has to offer.

 

 

Local Walks

Footpath 49: ‘Trelyn’ to county road south-west of Furzehill This starts on the Bere Alston to Bere Ferrers road at Trelyn and at first follows a private accommodation lane. Pass the junction of footpaths 75 and 76 and go straight on through Higher Watttons farm yard, passing a large barn on your left, with the hedge on your right. Entering the field over the stile, proceed towards the gate into the next field, pausing to look at the view on your left. Continue on bearing right and down the hill to a small gate in the right hand corner, through this you go down what can be a very muddy slope to a gate onto a cart bridge over the railway. Proceed up the private lane, passing to the north of ‘Little Birch’ to join the Weir Quay road. The path restarts on the opposite side of the road and continues across the centre of two fields to join the Hewton road at the entrance of the disused Furzehill Mine.

Bench donated in memory of Long Standing Village Resident

Violet May Pratt, formerly of Elmdene, Bere Ferrers, would have celebrated her 100th birthday on 29th May 2009. The family of this much-loved village resident have ensured her memory lives on through the donation of a bench, made by Morwellham Garden Furniture, placed in the recently re-generated recreational play area. Violet moved to Bere Ferrers with her husband Charles and three sons, Richard, Ronald and Eric in 1934. They lived originally in Davis Cottage opposite Elmdene, then 3 Little Park, where the other children, John, Graham and Diana were born. They then moved into 2 Trevethan Park, and eventually Elmdene. The family owned land within the village and made a living as market gardeners. During the war years they took in evacuees, as did many others in the village. Charles was a founder member of the Social Club and its Steward; and was actively involved in the village football club and Flower Shows. The family were regular attendees of the Church, and the Chapel Sunday School; with the children ringing the bells and singing in the choir. In 1960, Charles sadly passed away, with Violet continuing to live in the village until 2001 when her advancing years forced a move into Tavistock to be closer to her family. The family celebrated Violet’s life by attending the Morning Service at St. Andrews Church, Bere Ferrers on Sunday 24th May, followed by lunch at ‘The Plough Inn’. After which they placed a Memorial Plaque on the bench as a fitting tribute to a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

A THEMED CONNECT SURGERY COMING NEAR YOU!

West Devon Connect’s outreach surgery in Bere Alston is showcasing two key partner organisations during June: NHS Primary Care Trust (health improvement) and Community Voluntary Service (including Devon LINk). Health Promotion Devon will be joining the outreach surgeries and on hand will be a health trainer and stop smoking adviser to answer any queries you have surrounding your health and lifestyle. There will be samples of fruit to try and hopefully we will introduce you to some healthy lifestyle ideas you haven't considered before. So if you want help with healthy eating, increasing physical activity, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink or you want to stop smoking come along and speak to an advisor face to face. The Community Voluntary Services are dedicated to supporting local voluntary and community action by working with voluntary and community organisations and groups. Acting where possible with local partners we stimulate community activity, develop local networks, increase volunteering and provide a voice for the community and voluntary sector in West Devon. We do this through advice, support, practical and development services and learning opportunities for individuals and groups in our area. Working with us is The Devon LINk, this is a network of groups and individuals who want to make health and social care services better for everyone in Devon. The LINk gives people the chance to say what they think about local care services and what is going well and what is not. As always a West Devon Borough Council customer service advisor will be available to help and discuss with council and many other public services. When & Where: Tuesday 9th & 23rd June at Hope Cottage Café, from 10am – noon.

Aid to Macedonia et al

I am off to Macedonia for the charity Running on Wheels on the 4th June until the 16th. A 40 tonne lorry was sent a month ago with aid: mostly children’s clothes, medical equipment, walking frames and 126 sewing machines and dried food for the soup kitchens. On arrival I will clear this through customs and spend the next two weeks delivering the aid. We have soup kitchens in Veles and Resen, Ochrid and Skopje which service around 800 people. We have two orphanages, one in Skopje and one in Ochrid, and a women’s prison in the south of the country. There is medical equipment for hospitals and clinics in Skopje, Bitola, Veles and Resen and disabled equipment for rehabilitation units in Orchrid and Skopje. We have 550 sleeping bags for the homeless and Roma people displaced around Macedonia. Finally there are some equipment spares for our two fire engines in Resen and Skopje. I shall be purchasing a lot of food there as it is cheaper and helps their economy. I only take foods that they cannot get or have come free and can be fitted in the load. I intend to look at two new projects just over the border in Albania at the request of the Jesuits who have asked for assistance. I belong also to the Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem with Harry Davies, Ian Larkin, Robert Kirby, Robin Holliday, Hazel Taylor, Sue and Robert Belfield. Together we have also sent a 20 tonne lorry to Ivana, Belarus with children’s clothes and medical and school equipment. This arrived last week and has now been distributed. We also sent a lorry to Zambia with 56 sewing machines, 220 sleeping bags, 4 tonnes of dried food, and clothing for babies and children. Adult clothes are not practical as they are too big for adults who are seriously ill with Aids etc, so children’s clothes fit the adults too. Money and goods have gone to Zimbabwe. We cannot give you the location, although it is known to us, because it would jeopardise the safety of the orphanage and clinic. We are still collecting money for this project which is in desperate need. Harry Davies or myself will be happy to accept any donations. We have also sent blankets, clothes and medical equipment to Romania. If friends wish to donate by Gift Aid we have the forms to pass to you. Our main aim is to help lepers, but we naturally help all children, widows and the poor. In the future I am helping to organise a trip to Nepal with a fleet of ambulances. Watch this space! Trevor Paddon-Hall

CHARITY BALL 3rd OCTOBER 2009
The Moorland Links Hotel on Saturday 3rd October A reception by members of St Lazarus for guests at 7pm will be followed by dinner at 7.45pm. The bar will be open all evening. The cost of tickets for the Charity Ball will be £40 per head. Please book as soon as possible. Contact Trevor P-H on 840091 for more details or a booking form, or email paddonhall@btinternet.com

Villages in Action Presents THE NEW ROPE STRING BAND on Saturday 20th June at 8pm in Bere Ferrers Church Hall
It is now a surprising nine years since our first VIA show, which was a sell-out performance of the amazing Old Rope String Band. So popular were they that we had a return performance the following year. Sadly, since then Joe, the bearded one, died in a tragic accident. However the band has now reformed and has become not three but four talented musicians. Between them they sing, dance and play their hearts out on fiddles, guitar, mandolin, piano accordion and anything else that comes to hand. Expect exuberant theatrics, boundless energy, gorgeous music and exhaustion from laughter. Tickets are a little more expensive for this very special performance but at £7.00 will be worth every penny. There will be a raffle and teas will be served during the interval. Tickets from Anne Turner 841464 and Margaret Willmott 840380 and the Saturday Market nearer the day. Pre-theatre suppers will be served in The Plough from 6pm.  Book early to avoid disappointment.

Bere Ferrers Community Shop and Cafe

Treasurer’s news During our second year from 17.4.08 to 16.4.09 we have: Held a raffle on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year. The regular stall holders kindly donated the prizes and raffle tickets were free with the purchase of refreshments. Held the January sale on the first Saturday of the year: buy one drink, get one free. Taken over the responsibility for ordering bread. Thanks go to Joyce Peden for so ably running this in the past. The rota is now in the capable hands of Frances Gorringe. Raised money, which included the proceeds of the raffle run by Margaret Willmott, for the charity Children in Need. Raised money for research into Alzheimer’s Disease by running a sweepstake on the Grand National. Raised money for Red Nose Day. Bought trays, coffee filter jugs, sugar dispensers, tablecloths, fairy lights, teaspoons, milk jugs, cups and saucers. Given a donation for the purchase of the water heater in the hall. Given a donation to the Tavy and Tamar Apple Group for the purchase of necessary equipment. We have a  limited amount of money which can be available for village projects. If you have such a project, please get in touch with any of the steering committee, which now consists of Caroline Clark, café rota; Pearl Dawe, stalls; Frances Gorringe, bread rota; Juli Slaughter, café rota; Lesley Smith, cake rota and treasurer. The shop and café continue to be a success story, thanks to the efforts of the teams, the cake ladies, the stall holders and the customers. Without you all, the shop and café would not exist. Thank you all. Lesley Smith

Nature Watch

VISITING THE PEREGRINES
On Sunday 10th May I decided to take my second visit to see the Plym Valley peregrines. I am pleased to report that a healthy brood of four can now be seen thanks to the National Trust and the team of volunteer wardens. Fortunately they can be viewed through the telescopes set up on the old railway viaduct. At first all I could see appeared to be a pile of grey-coloured cotton-wool filling the nest. A few minutes later, one of them needed a bit of a stretch, giving a clear view of a very large eye and the hooked beak that all falcons are renowned for. Further across the face of the quarry one of the adults sat motionless throughout the time I was there, clearly visible through a second telescope. I must admit that most of the individuals that I have seen seem to spend a lot of time doing nothing, though when in action they are one of the most spectacular fliers. At least while 'at rest' the details of the plumage can be easily seen! The chicks should be flying by the time you read this: another reason for paying a visit. The site is easy to find, a short distance up the valley from Plym Bridge on the old railway line, now used as the Plym Valley cycle path. (Or follow the path down from the Yelverton car park. The whole trip from Bere Alston is 12km each way, but this is via Denham Bridge!) You can also keep up-to-date over the internet. There is a webcam that can be viewed at www.plym-peregrines.co.uk The peregrine population reached its nadir after the war following persecution by both game interests and the MOD (because they were believed to prey on carrier pigeons) but with protection it has now reached 2000 nationwide. Those not breeding lead a sort of nomadic existence and may well account for occasional sightings on the peninsula. The week before, my Sunday morning ride took me to Rowden Common near Brentor: a small area of unfenced land, fortunately now under the enlightened management of a group of local residents. There is nothing spectacular about it, just the sort of common grazing land that was found near most villages in the past. It has however remained 'un-improved' and it is still frequented by the cuckoo: a bird that I, personally, have not heard on the peninsula since 1997. It has dwindled from being common to being rare in living memory, though it does still occur on Dartmoor and a few outlying commons. In Britain they depend upon a good population of meadow pipits which supply the majority of the 'hosts' which incubate the cuckoo egg and later raise the chick, at the expense of their own brood. It is doubtful that the pipit breeds on the peninsula. One other bird that I noted, on returning from my peregrine trip, was a wheatear sitting on a telephone wire just outside the village. They certainly pass through on migration, mainly in April, so this may simply be a late-comer on the way to its breeding ground up on the moor. I am more used to seeing them displaying on top of a granite boulder or a gorse bush and taking short low flights over the vegetation, so I stopped on its sunny side to confirm identification: a small thrush-shaped bird, slate-grey above, with distinct black face patches on the side of its face. Disturbed by a passing 4X4 it flew away showing the large white patch on its rump, the usual give-away feature when they are seen on the moors. Otherwise, stonechats and yellowhammers seemed to be around everywhere that day, from the edge of the village, on Roborough Down and the return trip via Shaugh Prior and Ringmoor Down, but no cuckoos this time. You have to be in the right place at the right time to see them! Pete Mayston

CHURCH FAIRS AND TEAS

Cream Tea Sunday 14th June at 3.30pm in Cleave Farm garden In aid of the Friends of St Andrew’s Phone 840480 for more information

Holy Trinity Summer Fair Saturday 20th June from 2.15pm In the Parish Hall, Bere Alston Many stalls, grand draw. Entrance by silver collection. In aid of Holy Trinity Church Funds

Garden Party Saturday 20th June, 2pm-4pm At Hope Cottage Part of the Tavistock Methodist Circuit 200th Anniversary celebrations Including songs by Tutte Voci at approximately 3pm

Summer Fair Saturday 18th July from 2.15pm At Alpine House, Bere Ferrers Games, teas and pony rides All with the theme of Nursery Rhymes Fancy dress optional In aid of St Andrew’s Church, Bere Ferrers

Devon Historic Churches Trust Sponsored Bike Ride/Stride

The annual Sponsored Bike/Ride/Stride is on Saturday 12th September. Have a fun day visiting churches and chapels, getting sponsors to do so. Half of the amount raised by you will go to the church of your choice (any denomination), the other half to the Trust. The Devon Historic Churches Trust was formed to help churches faced with bills for repairs or restoration. Please contact Frances Cooper on 841175 for a sponsorship form and more information.

Could you be a Dartmoor Conservation Volunteer?
If you have a few hours to spare during the week or at weekends why not join the Dartmoor Preservation Association’s friendly volunteer groups working to keep Dartmoor special? You can learn more about the moor, make new friends and even keep fit at the same time! We do a variety of conservation work throughout the year. In the summer it is bracken bashing. Rampant bracken growth crowds out other, less vigorous species reducing the biodiversity of the moor. The best way to control this, without harmful chemicals, is by bashing the bracken down and reducing its spread. This is where we will be working during June: 1st, 3rd, 7th, 11th Bracken Clearance Leeden Hill, near Princetown 15th Bracken Clearance High House Waste 17th Bracken Clearance Venford Reservoir 19th Bracken Clearance Roborough Down 21st Bracken Clearance High House Waste 23rd Bracken Clearance Venford Reservoir 25th Bracken Clearance High House Waste 28th Bracken Clearance Shaugh Moor No special skills needed: just be willing to have a go! For details of where to meet, what to bring and any other questions you may have please email fiona@dartmoorpreservation.com or call Fiona on 01822 890646.

May Diary