Outreach March 2013 sequential - Buckland Church

It was a sad decision to have to cut down the diseased 14-year-old Cherry tree onour front lawn. It had grown from a sapling I rescued on a churchyard clear up day,thrown onto the trailer for dumping. Although the Church yard at Buckland has longbeen closed for burials we have to thank the Parish Council who pay for the contractto keep it looking neat and tidy for all to see. From time to time, there is a combinedeffort of church members with the Parish Council to do extra work, pruning anddigging over the flowerbeds, as necessary.The Cherry tree sapling was planted by grandsons Charlie and Fred and grew to fulfilmany functions, but producing cherries to eat was not one of them! It was a greattree for children to climb, strong enough for a swing, and I thought it looked good, asa feature in our cul-de-sac, when flowering in the spring. Best of all it attracted manybirds; they all seemed to love it. In the summer the Blackbirds and Thrushes wouldtake all the cherries before they fully ripened, so no harvest there! Jackdaws,Magpies and Rooks seemed to use it as a vantage point and to bicker amongthemselves. In the winter we hung out bird feeders and enjoyed watching a greatvariety of small birds visiting daily. We have missed them a lot since chopping thetree down.Our neighbours, John and Joy Scott are keen bird watchers and I thank them forkindly letting me reproduce the results of the RSPB survey they carried out on 26January 2013. I think it is amazing that within just one hour: 12.15 pm to 13.15pm,and in the village, John and Joy spotted 11 species from their window. They were:Blackbird 2, Blue Tit 4, Chaffinch 2, Coal Tit 1, Dunnock 1, Great Tit 1, House Sparrow3, Long-tailed Tit 8, Robin1, Starling 3, Wren 1, and Blackbird 1. On the same day,but outside of the time period, they spotted a Gold Crest, Gold Finch and a Thrush.I know that on a walk along the lanes and on themoors within the parish it would be most unlikelyto spot so many varieties. I am sure that they spotme first and quietly hide way.While we do miss the Cherry tree, my mind is atrest because every piece of it was recycled insome way. Leaves and twigs to compost, smallbranches for kindling, large branches logged, andthe trunk to my wood carver friend Fuzz Harlowwho has since made us a lovely bowl in memory of a wonderful tree.Richard MabeyThanks to Portia Crossley Photography for our front cover image of Buckland taken from the Garden House. Portia isa photographer based in Crapstone who does location portraits, weddings and commercial work. If you would like toorder a print of this photograph framed or unframed from £10 or want to find out more about Portia's work call her on01822 854708 or go to www.portiacrossleyphotography.co.ukPg 2Swallows have nested in thiscenturies’old barn in Cuxton FarmMarriage is in the news, and in early Februarywe had the debate in Parliament concerning gender neutralmarriage. Surprisingly few MPS attended this debate, andthe Prime Minister was entirely absent. When I watched,at a given point, there were forty one in the Chamber.Clearly there needs to be an allowance for breaks and teaintervals, but we might have expected to see threehundred, different members at different times, sitting during its entirety.As MPs seek to rebuild public confidence after the inflated claims forexpenses, it is disillusioning to see critical legislation debated by aminority.Driving back from taking Becky to Heathrow Airport, it was night-time. Iwas grateful for the cat’s eyes, with the headlamps picking up theirreassuring reflection, and providing safety on the road. It was a suddenrealisation that the nation is driving blind, without the sight to detect theancient boundary stones, risking inevitable collision. It has not been aquestion of discovering a new principle, but of surrendering a trusted andvalued one. We are now adrift in a sea of moral relativism.Marriage is what is called a ‘creation ordinance’, a complementary oneflesh relationship, revealed by God at the dawn of time. It is not asociological arrangement, but a lovingly ordained gift. It is designed forall people and all cultures, in every generation. To change this is to try toflatten the Alps. It is impossible, written into the fabric of life.One hundred and seventy five MPs exemplified courage in resisting thehuge cultural pressure to take the line of least resistance. The Bible wasquoted, and Jesus’ teaching commended - always a brave thing to do inthe public mainstream of life. The Psalmist said: ‘My eyes shed streams oftears because people do not keep your law.’ To see the beautifulherbaceous borders of God’s garden trampled upon, and broken through,will bring tragic consequences. Not least there will be greater pressure putupon conscientious Christian believers in their following of Jesus Christ.Paradoxically this may well bring about the best days for the church.Sincerely,Graham.Pg 3

Parish notes for MarchLentPlease join our Lent programme if youwould like to do so. We are studying thebook ‘Going forward on your knees’,based around the life of Hudson Taylor.Hudson Taylor took the Gospel to theChinese, identifying with them in a radicalway by immersing himself in their culturein order to present Christ to them.This has resulted in the hugely burgeoningChinese church today. But this is not abook about the past primarily, but seeks tobring profit to our own lives, and churchlife today, drawing on Hudson Taylor’srelationship with God. Please contactGraham or Peter Harlow if you would liketo find out more, and attend one of thegroups. Phone: 852227 or 852622.Easter. Easter Sunday this year marksa clock change, so our early morningservice at Bucktor at7am will feelparticularly early!There will be aseparate invitation toall our Easter services.From the RegistersFuneralsJanuary 28 th . Gordon CrimpJanuary 31 st . Alan WrenchFebruary 8 th . Edward Hutchinson.Burial of AshesFebruary 8 th . Herbert FodenFebruary 11 th . Edward HutchinsonWith sympathy and prayer on behalf of the bereaved.Pg 4Upper RoomDavid and Anne Landricombe.Just before the closing down of theUpper Room in Cornwall Street,Plymouth, I sent this e-mail to Davidand Anne:‘I know I speak for our whole church insaying that we are sorry you are closingthe Upper Room. You have both beenwonderfully faithful across the years,serving the churches and going theextra mile. (…) You have served yourcustomers conscientiously…, and havebeen alert to spiritual opportunitieswithin conversations. This has soclearly been a God-given ministry foryou.It's hard to imagine that part of the citywithout the Upper Room and yourpresence there. (…)We certainly would like to help wepossibly can, and to remain informed ofyour plans.With warmest regards, and prayer forthe continuity of your ministry.Graham Cotter, and the church familyat Buckland Monachorum.’Please remember David and Anne.Closing ‘the Upper Room’ is akin to abereavement for them.Thank you for the positive comments aboutthe new style of our Outreach Magazine – itis really good to hear that, overall, this hasbeen favourably received.COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE: However, wehave heard through the grapevine that someof the print sizes in the February issue werejust too small, but nobody has plucked up thecourage to tell us which ones! PLEASE do letus know, using this March issue, to tell uswhich page/s are “a step too far”.We have developed a tongue-in-cheekcomplaints procedure:-Your first complaint:- We really doSUBSCRIPTIONSAnnual subscriptions (just£5.00 for the year) are now due.Please pay your distributor ondelivery or by arrangement.Would those who collect from thechurch please pay Brenda Dilnotor Margie Goodfellow ASAP?Cheques payable to BucklandMonachorum Church magazinemay be sent to Brenda (seeCongregational Directory)Prompt payment would be muchappreciated!!encourage any reader to give us feedback, positive or negative, as it is YOURmagazine, and we try to respond to suggestions from as many readers aspossible.Your second complaint:- It is good to hear your further observation, andevery effort will be made to consider this supplementary suggestion.Your third complaint:- Upon presenting your third complaint, you willautomatically become editor of the magazine for the next three years!Outreach MagazineEditor Diana Kilby 01822 853671 email outreach@live.co.ukSubscriptions: Brenda Dilnot 01822 864514 Margie Goodfellow 01822 853152Distribution: Brenda Dilnot and a team of volunteersAdvertising: VACANCY (temporarily Nick Kilby 01822 853671 – email as above)Roving Journalists: VACANCY Fancy writing reviews of local events, restaurants, youthevents or local services? This could be a chance to hone some new skills and get into print, perhaps.Regular Contributors: Sue Allen, Laura Thompson, Tamsin Blaikie, Graham Cotter, Andy Farmer,Barbara Girven, Margie Goodfellow, Stella Hubble, Jim Knight, Richard Mabey, Trudi Massey, RossMitchell, Mark Tailyour, Rachel Tozer, Lucy Wood, and others.Printers: Dartprint, Tavistock With our thanks to Chris Fenner for his helpCover Photograph: With our thanks to Portia Crossley. www.portiacrossley photography.comAPRIL COPY: (email above)The deadline for articles for inclusion in the next issue is 17 MarchPg 5

Church DirectoryVicar: Rev. Graham Cotter 852227Readers:Philip Tuckett 870492 Margie Goodfellow 853152Paul Nixon 854247 Roy Matthews 07736 367373Church Wardens:Bill Houldsworth 854322 Mark Tailyour 852195Deputy Church Warden:Terry West 852717PCC Hon.Secretary: Diana Kilby 853671Hon. Treasurer: Hugues Motteux 01752 795690Gift Aid Officer: Rob Hubble 01752 839407Electoral Roll Officer: Brenda Dilnot 853514Musical Directors: Robin & Pippa Brown 855922Organists: Buckland: A.Mills 853979,Milton Combe: E. Baxter 852065, B. Dilnot 853514Captain of the Bells: Ken Farnham 853670Youth Leaders, coordinating The Hub, Soap, Soapsuds & Youth Church:Nick & Trudi Massey 852328Sunday Morning Children´s Groups:Mark & Rachel Perry 859013Crèche: Jan Romilly 855011Safeguarding representative: Debbie Farmer 859328Church Bookstall: Kirstin Vincent 853256Flowers: Kristin Vincent 853256Prayer Chain (starts at 7.30 am): Pamela Greenwood 852819Christian Listening: Barbara Walsh 853332Men´s Prayer (7.00 am in School): Rev. Graham Cotter 852227Prayer Ministry: Margie Goodfellow 853152Pastoral Care Team:Rev. Graham Cotter 852227 Sue Harlow 852622Open Doors (for the persecuted church, Mondays fortnightly at 10 am):Chris Anderson 853068Home Groups: Rev. Graham Cotter 852227Mission Links Coordinator: Christine Cotter 852227Mother´s Union: Joan Charleston 853293Brownies (Mon. 5.30 pm): Jill Kurdzweil 855564Scouts (Fri. 7.45 pm) John Belcher 852874Alpha Andy & Debbie Farmer 859328Little Fishes (Wed. 2 -3.15) Emma Bowles 855144www.bucklandchurch.comPg 6SATURDAY EVENING CINEMA - [Doors open: 7.15 pmTicket price: £4.00]This is a monthly café style cinema that provides a relaxedsetting. You canbring your own drinksand nibbles to enjoybefore and during thefilm. Refreshmentsmay also bepurchased. Whetheryou come asindividuals or in agroup, there is a setupto suit everyone.Saturday 16 th March Skyfall (12A)Directed by Sam Mendes, Skyfall is the 23 rd Bond film producedby Eon productions. It sees the return of Daniel Craig as 007.When Bond’s latest assignment goes gravely wrong, MI6 isattacked, forcing M to relocate the agency. These events causeher authority and position to be challenged by the new chairmanof the Intelligence and Security Committee. With MI6 nowcompromised from both inside and out, M is left with only one allyshe can trust: BondTUESDAY MATINEE CINEMA [Doors open: 2.00 pmTicket price £3-00]The monthly matinees provide a traditional cinema experience.Refreshments may be purchased to enjoy before the film begins.Please contact YelverCare (07775 695864) if you need transport.Tuesday 19 th March Hope Springs (12A)Hope Springs is a 2012 romantic comedy drama film starringMeryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell. The centralcharacters are Kay and Arnold Soames, a devoted couple whosechildren have left the nest. They seek the help of a counselorcalled Dr Feld, to try to improve their marriage which has becomedull and routine. He encourages them to articulate their feelingsand find the spark that caused them to fall in love in the firstplace.CHILDREN’S CINEMA [Doors open: 10.45 amTicket price£2.00 Accompanying adults free]Saturday 16 th March Hop (U)This is an Easter themed animated comedy film. It stars the voiceof Russell Brand as E.B., a rabbit who does not want to succeedhis father, Mr Bunny (Hugh Laurie) in the role ofthe Easter Bunny.Pg 7Spring House ResidentialCare HomeChat and reminisce with residentsRiding for DisabledTavistockShare your love of horseswith disabled childrenTavistock Division ofGirl GuidesHelp girls and young womenexplore life within Girlguiding UKWest Devon MarshallsBe a marshall at differentlarge local eventsFor details of these andmany morevolunteering opportunitiesContact usDrop in:Tavistock Library Thurs 9am-1pmFridays 1pm-4pmFreephone 0330 660 0357Email:volunteering@westdevoncvs.org.ukVolunteer Centre West Devon is a serviceprovided by West Devon Communityand Voluntary ServicesSupported by Devon County Council,NHS Devon and West Devon BoroughCouncilRegistered Office: 13 East Street,Okehampton, Devon EX20 1ASRegistered Charity no: 1119730.Registered company no 6115797.

Buckland MonachorumVillage HallRegistered Charity 266209Following a quiet January, we had our firstCoffee Morning/Market of the year on 9February. The exhibition of Dartmoorphotographs by Blaze Redgrave attracted a lotof interest and we made about £100. However,we did have fewer stalls than usual; if youwould like to have a stall selling food, art/craftitems, books etc., please call Shirley on 855258.Our next Coffee Morning/Market will be onSaturday 9 March. This event will be veryinteresting. In the Richard Mabey Room youwill be able to watch demonstrations oforiginal water colours of local views. You willbe able to buy raffle tickets @ £1 to win one ofthe paintings.On the same day, we shall be holding our firstQuiz Evening of the year. As usual, the doorswill open at 7.30p.m. for an 8p.m. start. Teamscan be of up to six people at £2 per head.Entrants should bring their own food and drinkand a glass for the drinks.There has been a lot of publicity recently aboutthe re-opening of the Tavistock – Bere Alstonrailway link. On Saturday 16 March, BernardMills will be presenting one of his excellentrailway evenings. He will be concentrating onthe Tavistock link, with a talk and slides. This isnot to be missed – Bernard’s knowledge issecond to none. Admission will be £3 (£2 forunder 16s). Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits willbe available for a donation.On Saturday 23 March, there will be aJumble Sale from 2p.m., with admission set at20p. Jumble can be brought to the Hall from10a.m. If you need items collecting, please ring Shirley Fairchild on 854352.Please watch out for publicity for all the above. Remember that the Hall is available forgroups, functions, parties etc. Please ring Shirley on 855258 for details.Jim Knight (Chairman).Pg 8AppealChildren's Hospice South West hasalways enjoyed a very loyal andgenerous following in the Yelvertonarea, and for the last 5 years we haveraised nearly £20,000 a year to keepthe hospice running and provide extrafacilities and amenities.Sadly none of us is getting any youngerand that is true indeed of the membersof the Yelverton CHSW Friends Group!We are hosting an evening at YelvertonChurch Hall on Tuesday 12 March at7.30pm when Judy Pride from CHSWwill come and talk about the latestHospice developments, with the aim ofincreasing the numbers on the activecommittee (only 1 meeting every 3months!), whilst discussing ways ofraising funds and the profile of CHSWwithin our area.Do please come and join us for achat over a coffee!Young person (aged 14) looking to raisemoney for school trip to Morocco next year.Would be happy to undertake any odd jobs!!Dog walking/Mucking out (I do haveexperience with horses)/Babysitting/CarCleaning, etc., etc.If I can help you, please call Alex on 01822481284 or emailmuxworthyalison@yahoo.comThe Healing Rooms have been open sincejust before Christmas. This is held on Monday evenings, from7.30-9 pm in the Quaker Rooms in the Wharf car park inTavistock. We are Christians from differing traditions with acommon purpose: to see the name of Jesus Christ honoured. We have been blessed withwitnessing the Holy Spirit at work ministering to His people. Do come along.Please contact Anne Palfrey on 01822 610322 for further information.First Time Farmers I wonder how many people watched this 5-part seriesof Channel 4 TV programs shown on Friday nights, which has enjoyed a strong following,with viewing figures peaking at over 1.3million? St. Andrew’s and Tavistock Collegestudent Mark Casebow was a Director of each episode, following a series ofdocumentaries he has made during his career in film-making. Mark is the son of one ofour faithful band of Bell Ringers, Mike Casebow. Watch out for re-runs - this is anabsorbing series.Jumble Sale at Walkhampton Make a note that on Sunday March 3,the next jumble sale will be held at Walkhampton Village Hall. Doors open at 2 p.m, andJumble will be accepted from 10.00 am. Refreshments are available and entrance is just20 pence - all proceeds to Village Hall. Call Pete 01822-855140 or Linda 01822 852142.Morning Departure is based on a stage play by Kenneth Woollard, MorningDeparture is a gritty, tense, submarine-based drama with flashes of humour, set in WorldWar ll. The cast have been recruited from various organisations in the village, and this isa real community project involving many organisations, groups, individuals and businesses.Thursday March 21, Friday March 22ⁿ, Saturday March 23 7.30pm in St John’s Church,Horrabridge.There will be a raffle and refreshments. Admission by ticket - £5Ticket hotline – 01822 852184 Proceeds to Friends of St John’s Church Kitchen ProjectFilling Station: Our next meeting is on March 22ⁿ, from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, atHorrabridge Village Hall. David Palmer will be speaking on ‘where will you be 5 minutesafter you die?’ Christian worship, teaching, stories and prayer ministry in an informalcafé-style setting. Coffee and refreshments available - Everyone welcome!For further information, please contact Les and Di Wood on 8544877, or Wendy Greigon 852018Risen: A TACT (Tavistock Area Christians Together) event on 1st April - EasterMonday between 7.30 and 9 pm - a celebration evening in Tavistock Town Hall. Anevening of Praise and Declaration. All welcome.Pg 9newssnippets

Local Clubs & ServicesSt. Andrew's C. of E. Primary SchoolHead Teacher Julie Tailyour 853153Bookings Beryl Salt 852867Age Concern “drop in” Tavistock 616958Buckland Toddler Group Emma Young 854567Wed 9am-11am at Buckland Chapel Mike Broughton 854828Buckland Village HallSecretary Norman Cooke 854993Bookings – general Shirley Dunstan 855258snooker Richard Mabey 853495Yelverton Short Mat Bowling Club Hazel Viney 852551Buckland Cricket Club (captain) Tom Rogers 852855Cancer Research UK John Gozzard 853791Milton Combe HallBookings Secretary Elaine Stansbury 852721Yelverton Bowling Club Secretary Bob Clarke 853493Yelverton Ladies Open GroupSecretary Helen Butland 853140Children's Hospice South West Judy Pride 01837 52365Buckland Monachorum Drama Group Jen Butland 853140Buckland Art Group Richard Mabey 853495Buckland Abbey Administrator Jez McDermott 853607Neighbourhood WatchVacancyAbbeyfield Buckland Monachorum Soc.Hon. Sec Rosie Kehoe 853668The British Heart FoundationDevon Area Organiser Owen Penney 860146Tavistock Area Kris Budge 615338Yelverton & District Local History Society David Latham 853517Leukaemia Research Fund Vivienne Wright 852323Yelverton Bridge ClubChairman Sally Morgan 853252Buckland Pre-school Mon-Fri 9am-12noon Marion Maxwell 854870Lunch Club 12 – 1 pmClerk to Buckland Monachorum Parish Council Debbie Ashton 841648clerk@bmpc.infoBuckland Food Growers (BFG) Lucy Wood 854332Chairlucyjwood@googlemail.comThe Hub is Buckland Monachorum’s Youth Drop-In for 11-18 year olds,run by Nick and Trudi Massey. Call them on 01822 852328 or come tothe Buckland Chapel to find out more . . . See belowJan Moore fromBuckland Beauty gavea pampering sessionshowing the girls how tolook after their nails andhow to paint them.We would love towelcome others to comeand share their skills withour young people -please contact us if youare available on either aTuesday between 3.45pmand 5.45pm or a Thursdaybetween 7.30pm and9.00pm.Over the weekendof 8, 9 & 10 March we willbe taking a group of 11-to-18 year olds for a funpackedlearning andsocialising time!15 to 21 young peoplecome on a Tuesday anda Thursday. Last termconcluded with a fantasticChristmas Party with lots ofgames and food.This term localfriends have gotinvolved, coming alongand sharing their skills.Richard Mabey helped ouryoung make great landscapepictures. Denise Nixonhelped us make yummybiscuits and pancakes –more baking to come withDenise & Kaye Rogers.They can come again!Buckland Chapel - Chairman Mark Tailyour 852195tailyour@btinternet.comHall & Hostel bookings Barbara Bettles 852592carolinehammond65@talktalk.netIf anyone notices any errors in these names or contact numbers, please notify Diana on 853671Pg 10The Trustees have kindly given us some funds topurchase an air hockey table and a table football.These are for use not only by our Youth Groups, but bythose staying at the Chapel.

Following on with our theme of discoveringlocally-based websites, this one is quitedifferent from last month’s. A good websitenot only looks attractive on the Home Page,but also draws you in deeper with what thedesigners call “content”. Charities, whichusually can’t afford to put a lot of detail intotheir newspaper and magazine ads, have anopportunity through their website to fullydescribe their activities, trying to inform readers, and make a connection which convertsthe reader into a supporter.Now based in the Yelverton Business Park in Crapstone, this website is highly relevantto us all living and driving over the moors in West Devon.Have you discovered a top-class website managed from within our parish? Please email a link tooutreach@live.co.uk for possible future inclusion.Pg 18Web Watchwww.swep.org.ukWe see sad stories in the news about accidents with ponies on our roads, and this is partof the weekly drama which the charity has to deal with, but the website is not oversensationalisedwith bad news. Instead, there is a balance, with stories of rescuesuccesses, explanations of what can be done, and a simple, clean page layout whichencourages you to learn more.Campaigns to reduce accidents on our moorland roads have been on-going for years withsome success, but you can read about how frequently fatalities still happen on differentstretches of road. There is also a national concern regarding over-breeding, and recentheadlines about mis-labelled food products show the importance of local organisationslike SWEP, in their efforts to ensurehumane and safe meat processing.There are wonderful reportsshowing the results of the lovingcare of SWEP volunteers, and howthey run the Rehoming and LoanPony schemes in this area. Mostpeople who have an interest in ourlocal animals have heard of SWEP,and see them at local shows andevents, but a visit to their websitebrings you right up to date with thescope, diversity and detailed workof the organisers and volunteerswho are working on our doorstep.Easter is the most joyful day of the year forChristians. Christ has died for our sins. Weare forgiven. Christ has risen! We areredeemed! We can look forward to aneternity in his joy! Hallelujah!The Good News of Jesus Christ is a messageso simple that you can explain it to someonein a few minutes. It is so profound thatfor the rest of their lives they will be still be‘growing’ in their Christian walk with God.Why does the date move around so much?Because the date of Passover movesaround, and according to the biblical account,Easter is tied to the Passover.Passover celebrates the Israelites’ exodusfrom Egypt and it lasts for seven days, fromthe middle of the Hebrew month of Nisan,which equates to late March or early April.Most peoplewill tell youthat Easterfalls on thefirst Sundayafter the firstfull moon afterthe Spring Equinox, which is broadlytrue. But the precise calculations arecomplicated and involve something calledan ‘ecclesiastical full moon’, which is notthe same as the moon in the sky. Theearliest possible date for Easter in the Westis 22 March, which last fell in 1818 andwon’t fall again until 2285. The latest is 25April, which last happened in 1943 and isnext due in 2038.Pg 19Buckland AbbeyWinter is behind us, and with brighter,(hopefully) sunnier days ahead, we’revery much looking forward to a brandnew season here at Buckland Abbey,Garden and Estate. As well as being agreat place to come and visit any day ofthe year, we have lots of great eventsand activities planned in the next fewmonths so don’t forget to keep an eye onthe website or Facebook for information.If you’re looking for somewhere specialto take Mum on Mothering Sunday, whynot book a table in our Ox YardRestaurant and enjoy a delicious homecooked meal? You could go for a walk onour beautiful estate or around thegardens, or perhaps visit the Abbey itselftoo. For more information, call thecatering team on 01822 856041.Now that spring is on its way, we’relooking forward to Easter (yes, it’scoming around already), and will behaving our annual egg hunt on theestate across the weekend of 29 March-1 April. It’s great fun for all the family toenjoy, with a tasty prize at the end!The Abbey, restaurant, shop, gallery andestate walks are open daily from 9March until 3 November. The Abbeyitself is open 11:30-4:30, and the rest ofthe estate including the shop, restaurantand gallery will continue to open from10:30-5:30.Please call us on 01822 853607 or visitour website:www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland

Hlo!Devon to Zomba, Malawi - 8,400 milesNic Hughes - Memories of Boyhood Days in Buckland Monachorum(Ed. Note: Nic Hughes was the son of Chris Hughes, who was Vicar of St. Andrew’s &Holy Spirit, for 9 years in the 1970s. Nic sadly died of cancer last October)."Welcome to Malawi - the warm heart of Africa"This was how one of the teaching assistants greeted me on myfirst morning at school last Monday at about 6.30am! It alsosums up the welcome I've received since I arrived in Zombalast Saturday - even when we broke down yesterday on a roadfar from anywhere, and locals passing on foot and bikesstopped to offer us help!Upon my arrival after the hustle and bustle of both Heathrowand Jo'burg's international airports, the airfield in Blantyreseemed extra remote. As we came through the arrivals kiosks I couldimmediately see the luggage being pulled off trailers and pushed onto the belt inthe small arrivals hall packed with people. I thought it was worth a picture but asecurity guard was quick to caution me against taking further photos in case ofany terrorist threat I might pose. :) Happily Phil & Jo and the girls were outsidethe airport waiting to drive me back to Zomba before I got into any more trouble!Since then, this last week I've been able to observe lessons, teach a few classesand start getting to know the children I'll be teaching for the next five months -mainly 10 & 11 year olds, the top class in the school. There are 5 classes in theschool as well as a pre-school, which means there are 120 children in the schoolaltogether. The children are mainly local Malawians (African & Asian) and maybea quarter of the children are from ex-pat families. I've been trying to remember awhole range of names from Mwini and Shalzin to Chifundo and Chickondo (and afew more familiar ones such as Wayne & Will!) and to get used to school startingat 7.30am.I'm starting teaching properly tomorrow so thought I'd send you a little updatebefore then & before my laptop runs out of power. It's been an unusually wetmonsoon season here so it hasn't been sunny all day every day, but when theclouds do lift we can look up and see theZomba plateau above the school and you cansee this in the picture here.I hope this finds you all well. Thank you forbeing in touch!!!Lots of love, Becky xxxPg 20Nic attended Buckland Primary School in the Old School Houseby the church, under the watchful eyes of Mrs Callen andHeadmaster Mr Ron Isherwood. Later, Nic and his sister Helenwould run down (& up!) the Path Fields from the Vicaragegarden and were seen safely across the road to the new schoolbuilding by ‘lollipop lady’ Mrs Boniface.Perhaps most memorable were the ParishCamps, held those days at Bosloe, besidethe Helford river. Here Nic and manyothers experienced the fun of communityliving: sailing, swimming and feasts cookedby Pat Heath, plus a solid grounding inChristian teaching. Life then wasremarkably free, with one exceptionperhaps…being a Vicar’s son was, it has tobe said, a bit of a burden for Nic at times.To be told that ‘this is not the way a Vicar’sson should behave’ stuck with him for toolong, but perhaps helped to develop aquestioning attitude?!Nic went on to Tavistock School, before thefamily moved on to Surrey. How we allmissed Buckland! However, through thechurch in Ashtead where Chris was Rector,Nic was introduced to the Christian ArtsFestival Greenbelt, providing him withmany opportunities to use his creative gifts.The festival was to remain an annualcommitment for him until two monthsbefore he died. After ‘A’ Levels, heobtained a degree in Graphic Design at HullUniversity, and later an MA.Nic first worked with a number of DesignAgencies and magazines. He then took anew direction deciding to teach, becominga lecturer in the Philosophy of Art atGoldsmith College in London, and latterly apost at Norwich University.Pg 21From a young age Nic was an independentthinker – always exploring new ideas,thoughts and designs. Politics oftenproduced heated debates. His capacity to‘think way out of the box’ could at timesbring him into conflict, particularlyregarding the established church.Fortunately, the C. of E. has ‘many ponds’from which to fish, where Nic could usehis creative gifts alongside others withsimilar mind-sets.Nic met Susie through St James the Less inLondon, and were involved in ‘Abundant’,the Christian Night Club. This wasfollowed by ‘The Vaux’ in another LondonChurch where they were permitted tolead an ‘alternative’ service, which drew inmany from all backgrounds. Nic hated anyform of injustice: he attended protestmarches and spoke out against itwhenever the opportunity arose.Jem and Chris are most grateful for all theprayer, support and care they havereceived. There have been many tributespaid to Nic, particularly through theInternet. His blog on his experience as acancer sufferer is both profound andcourageous…its final words referring tolove… “SOME THINGS CANNOT BESTOLEN” …are a fitting epitaph.

Giggles PageENGLISH WITCH RIMESI take it you already knowOf tough and bough and cough and dough?Others may stumble but not youOn hiccough, thorough, slough and through.Well done! And now you wish, perhaps,To learn of less familiar traps?Beware of heard, a dreadful wordThat looks like beard and sounds like bird.And dead – it’s said like bed, not bead –For goodness’ sake, don’t call it deed!Watch out for meat and great and threat,(they rhyme with sweet and straight and debt.)A moth is not a moth in motherNot both in bother, broth in brother,And here is not a match for there,And dear and fear for bear and pear.And then there’s close and rose and lose –Just look them up – and goose and choose,And cork and work and card and ward,And font and front and word and sword.And do and go, and thwart and cart –come, come I’ve hardly made a start!A dreadful language? Why man alive!I learnt to talk it when I was five!And yet to write it, the more I tried,I haven’t learnt at ninety-five!Author unknownPg 227-yr oldwisdomWhy did God give you toyour mother, and not tosome other mum?1. We're related.2. God knew she likes me a lotmore than other kids’ mums likeme.3. Other mums wouldn’t understandabout me being afraid in thedark.Why did your mum marryyour dad?1. My dad makes the bestspaghetti in the world. And mymum eats a lot.2. She got too old to do anythingelse with him.3. My grandma says that no onewill ever know.Who's the boss at yourhouse?1. Dad is, because mum says so.She just helps by reminding himwhat to do each day.2. Mum. You can tell by room inspection.She sees the stuff underthe bed.3. Dad was, until Mum found whathe had written on Facebook aboutGranny.YELVERTON LADIES OPEN GROUPEvents in March 20137 March Wildlife on Dartmoor, Art and Photography : John Walters21 March "Old Dartmoor" : Paul RendellAll are welcome to our meetings held at 7.45pmat the War Memorial Hall, YelvertonFor further details, please contact either:Vivienne Maxwell - Secretary 01752 739040 orBarbara Edwards - Chairman 01822 852636Plymouth Gilbert & Sullivan SocietyAfter last year’s departure from the G&S canon the Plymouth Gilbert and Sullivan Fellowship,winners of many awards from NODA and the Buxton International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival,are again presenting one of the so-called “Savoy” operas…Their major 2013 production will be “The Gondoliers”, under the direction of Alan Spencer,with orchestra under the musical direction of Jane Warwick.The show runs April 9-13 at the Devonport Playhouse, Fore Street, Plymouth PL1 4DW,evenings at 7.30pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets at £14.00 (concessions £12.00O60 and TRAC members on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, £6.00 U16 on Tuesday andWednesday evenings and Saturday matinee) can be obtained from the company box office on01752 249988 or online at www.plymouthgilbertandsullivan.com. Discounts on group bookingsare 50p per ticket on 10 or more, £1.00 per ticket on 20 or more.Further information: Pauline Smith email as above or 01566 775557 or 07977 731378Pg 23

Pg 24Pg 25Errata & additions to the article in February onLopwell Dam, by our local correspondent…Lopwell Dam was in fact built in 1953 by Plymouth CityCouncil. The dam incorporated a fish pass said to bemodelled on the one at Pitlochry in Scotland.At the same time the Council built a Pump House which isnow the Old Pump House café.There used to be little signs at ground level on both banksof the river, inscribed with the letters PCWW meaning‘Plymouth Corporation Water Works’. Occasionally onsummer evenings when the tide was right, Water Worksstaff had a boat trip up the Tavy. It was a thrilling sight tosee a big steamer come round the corner to LopwellQuay.As well as supplying water to Plymouth, the Council aimedto make Lopwell a visitor attraction both to local peopleand holidaymakers. The idea linked well with BucklandAbbey, then in the care of Plymouth.Tourist literature invited you to visit the Abbey, and thengo down to Lopwell to enjoy the beauty you would findthere.Overcombe Guest HouseAA., DTA,. ETC 4 Diamond Guest Accomm.Old Station Road, Horrabridge, Yelverton, Devon.Tel. 01822 853501www.overcombehotel.co.ukDavid and John will be delighted toaccommodate your family and friends.All our bedrooms are ensuite and tastefullydecorated, with comfortable beds, colourTV, radio alarm clock, hair dryer and, teaand coffee making facilities."Overcombe" offers quality accommodation,a substantial breakfast and enjoys wonderfulviews across the Walkham Valley towardsHigh Tor.NEW GATESMADE TOMEASUREalso repairedand restoredMilton CombeThe annual DuckRace!J.W.F.01822 855093NEWFIREBASKETS,WOODBURNERS& HANDRAILSalso repaired &NEW RAILINGSMADE TOMEASUREAlso cut downor made smallerYOU NAME IT - I'LL FIX ITCOLLECTION & DELIVERY - NO PROBLEMDo you have a problem getting to medical appointments?Do you enjoy going on trips? Do you need help to get around?If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions - we can help you!Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS)operates an advice service and voluntary carservice to help you get to your medicalappointment(s). The service is supported bya core of volunteers who will pick you upfrom your home, take you to your appointmentand wait to bring you home.The cost is 45p a mile which covers the wearand tear cost of the volunteer’s car. If youare on Income support or Pension credits,you might be entitled to reclaim the cost ofyour journey. If you require this service weask that you give Bernice (who co-ordinatesthe service) at least two days’ notice.We also run over 48 trips through the yearhelping get people out and about. We visitall areas of Devon & Cornwall, whilstMorris Bros.Funeral DirectorsEstablished in 1870Your local independent Funeral Director isowned & run by the fifth generation of theMorris Family, Mr Simon Luke.Professional efficient & sensitive service tothe people of Tavistock & surrounding areas.Call for a 24 hour personal service on01822 612023www.morrisbros.co.ukThe Old Bedford FoundryLakeside, Tavistock PL19 0AZGolden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans availablemaking sure to try numerous Sunday & Midweeklunches. All our mini buses are wheelchairaccessible and can carry 15 passengers.If you are in Tavistock and you have difficultyto get around or you need to borrow a mobilityscooter or wheelchair, we do operate a ShopmobilityScheme, allowing you to get aroundthe town or go on holiday and still get out andabout.To find out how we might be able to help you,phone 01822 617525 or emailtransport@tasstavistock.org.uk whereBernice is always willing to try and help you.All you have to do is ‘Just Ask’.

over the winter months.We are all looking forward to opening the Garden foranother season on and, as you can imagine, the wholeplace is a hive of activity to get both house and gardenready in time! As many of you will know, much of thehouse has been shrouded in scaffolding and a great dealof work has been undertaken in the Garden and Car Park‘Meet the Head Gardener’ – Tuesday 19 March 2 pm and Thursday 28 March 2 pmOur new Head Gardener, Nick Haworth, started inJanuary, and has been very busy with the currentrestoration projects as well as getting to know the10-acre site. As mentioned in the last issue, Nick wasHead Gardener at Greenway, the National Trustproperty above the River Dart. He has also worked atSaltram and Killerton, as well as spending three yearsat the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.If you would like to accompany Nick on a ‘Meet theHead Gardener’ guided tour of the Garden and hearall about the winter work and future plans, we havearranged the dates above. The maximum will be 20on each date. Normal admission applies (no extracharge for the garden tour), but if you would like tocome along, please phone and we can add your name to the list of attendees.‘Going for Gold at Chelsea’ - Cleve West – Friday 22 MarchSome tickets are still available for this year’s Fortescue Garden House Lecture (£15pp). If you would like to attend, please give us a call.Family Activities at EasterThe spring Garden will be looking wonderful at Easter, and there will be plenty to doto amuse the family. A new Easter Trail will run from Good Friday to Easter Monday,and there will be craft activities in the house for children.All 2013 events will be listed on The Garden House website. We look forward towelcoming you at the beginning of the new season – come along and see the resultsof all the winter work!Just a quick note from us atBuckland Food growers, as weare all starting to wake up afterthe winter break, and we arestarting to plan this year’sgrowing schedule.We are planning to have morepigs, more chickens, and morepotatoes. The bees havesurvived the winter, and theapple trees were wassailed inJanuary so fingers crossed for a good harvest this year!There has been much in the news recently focussing on horsemeat in manyof our beef products. This should give us all reason to be thoughtful aboutwhere our food comes from. One of the reasons we set up BFG was becausewe wanted to be more aware of how food is produced and we wereconcerned about the provenance of the food that we eat. Given this recentuncertainty, it may be time for you to join us – rearing your own pigs,working with our neighbours to care for animals with the aim of having somereally lovely pork for the summer, with the added bonus of knowing exactlywhere it has come from.Do come and join us - we particularly need help withour fruit group, but all of our groups: chickens, pigs,cider/apple juice and bees can all accommodate anywilling new members who fancy trying somethingnew. Please contact me if you want any informationon how we work, and what would be involved.Lucy WoodChair Buckland Food GrowersFortescue Garden Trust – Registered Charity 203722Tel. 01822 854769 www.thegardenhouse.org.ukPg 26Pg 27