Tokens of success

Members of South Tawton County Primary School staff are grateful to everyone who responded to the appeal Persil Star to collected and sent into the office. Thanks to that response the school has received a wonderful bundle of velvet material, assorted yarns and art materials which will be most useful.

Stand for Hospiscare

For seven years local people have been donating items to be sold in aid of Hospiscare on a stall outside Buttercup Cottage, South Zeal, during the weekend of the Dartmoor Folk Festival. Over the years, visitors to the festival arriving from all over the country began to turn up bringing with them contributions to add to the stand. Once again the stall will be set up over the weekend of August 7th – 8th with, as always, the entire proceeds given to North Devon Hospiscare. Included for sale this year are lots of excellent handmade goods in addition to good quality household items and bric-a-brac. Thanks go to all those that have provided these goods during the year as the organiser looks forward to again receiving the support of parishioners and visitors to assist a valued Hospice.

Stuffing needed now

While many will have the patience to wait until Saturday, 21st August to just enjoy the annual Whiddon Down Village Hall Summer Fete there are others already at work making entries for a new and special competition. All age groups can respond to the challenge opened up this year by the introduction of the Scarecrow Competition and childrens' entries are particularly welcome, either from groups or individuals; and the organisers will also be looking for the best entry provide by a family. Competition details, all easy enough, can be obtained from Clare Rowe 01647 231643.

Annual Art Exhibition

The annual exhibition staged by Chagford Art Group will be held in the town's Jubilee Hall from Tuesday, August 10th until Saturday 14 th , opening daily from 10.00am – 5.00pm. Artists will be present each day to greet visitors and talk with those that so wish. The group has been meeting regularly for over twenty years and has gained an international reputation through the standard of work exhibited by members and purchased by visitors from many countries. Throughout most of the year meetings are held in the cricket pavilion at Chagford but, occasionally, during the summer members visit outdoor locations of specific interest to paint. The group includes artists from South Zeal, Sticklepath and Addiscott and, continuing the original principles established, there are no tutors. The artists'' come together to enjoy each others' company, exchange ideas and encourage initiative and development. New members are always welcome and more information can be obtained by calling 840547.

Chagford Street Market

Local people and visitors will be able to enjoy a street market in Chagford on Saturday 7th August from 9.00am until 12 noon that is being organised to aid Cancer Research UK. There will also be a coffee morning 10am until 12 noon at Endacott House, organised by the Women's Royal British Legion and a jumble sale in the afternoon, beginning at 2.30pm in the Jubilee Hall where the draw for the raffle will take place. Donations of bottles, cakes and raffle prizes for the stalls would be welcome and can be collected. The local group is looking for new helpers to join the team and would be very grateful for anyone who could volunteer to help on the day to either man a stall, sell draw tickets or sort jumble. Vanessa Garrett on 01647 433396 will welcome hearing from anyone with a few hours to spare or a longer term interest in helping the group.

Children at heart through art

Once again the annual Art In The Heart Of Devon Exhibition was an overwhelming success with a record breaking seventy nine pictures sold during a weekend that consisted of a preview evening and two days of public opening. The total amount of money raised is expected to be in excess of £2,000, accrued from artists entry fees, 12.5% of picture sales, sale of Preview tickets, Preview raffle, the Silent Auction of a picture by Pam Cox's father, catalogues, refreshments, SCF cards, £1 on every plant sold and donations. The organisers appreciate that without the help of many people this would not have been possible and extend their thanks to everyone who helped in any way. The Favourite Picture certificate, voted for by the public, went to 'Bracken and Birches at Lustleigh Cleave" painted by Don Nicholson, who has produced the favourite picture for the last three years and second was 'By the River Taw' painted by Pam Cox. The annual event is staged to benefit the Save the Children Fund and if anyone would like to join the organising team for future shows they should contact Janet Grist on 01647 281637.