Wake-up call in honey crisis

Nearly thirty beekeepers from around the Okehampton area responded to a special meeting called in the area by Richard Ball, the Regional Bee Inspector responsible for Dorset & Devon and Adam Vevers, Area Bee Inspector who monitors a large area of Devon regularly. The meeting, held in South Zeal at the apiary of Roy Radford and David May, had been considered imperative as a wake-up call to beekeepers unprepared to deal with an impending Varroa mite problem. First found in the South West, in 1992 Varroa mite attacks the bees and, over the years, the mite became resistant to varroacide treatments in use and the need for beekeepers to learn how to detect resistant mite before their colonies succumbed and were wiped out became essential. For area beekeepers the apiary was especially relevant since it contained colonies of bees from Crockernwell, Okehampton and Sourton and the Inspectors delivered a knife-edge verdict. While Roy and David's apiary might survive another year continuing with former treatment, they are taking no chances and decided immediately to follow more time consuming methods now essential to control the resistant Varroa mite that has spread across the county. The afternoon ended with a picnic tea provided by Ursula Radford, David's partner Donna and to which many of the visiting beekeepers contributed; as is the tradition of Okehampton beekeepers.

Recycling – a lost art

Okehampton seems certain soon to lose a recycling facility that has benefited industry, individuals, and the arts in the area over recent years. Arts Works Plus was established by local man Steve Newton on Okehampton's industrial estate as a Training and Play Resource Centre to promote the creative recycling of safe waste and surplus materials. His initial hopes to encourage an environmental awareness within the local community were soon realised and by working with Industry a vast array of materials often destined for the landfill site have been regularly collected. Displayed at the Centre (sometimes known as a Scrap-Store) this treasure trove became available to schools, groups, artists, families and individuals. Extending the project, the Centre provided advice and training in the use of materials recycled and available through workshops and imaginative art and craft based sessions organised for schools and groups. While visitors to the Centre could, and still can, take away a carrier bag filled with valuable items for just £1 the Centre was facing ever increasing costs that are now so sever that closure of the project can only be weeks away. Unless alternative accommodation can be found or, perhaps, another organisation comes to the rescue, a centre that has proved recycling is not just an onerous chore but can be of value to the community will be lost. In the meantime the Centre is open to visitors that can use up the stock of goods in store Sunday 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m, Tuesday and Friday evenings 7.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m, or at other times by arrangement with Steve Newton who can be contacted on 01837 53648.

Simple photography satisfies

"Improve your photos - by keeping them simple," is the advice of renowned local photographer Rex Haythornthwaite and it is also the subject of the illustrated talk he is giving on home ground at The Ockment Centre, Okehampton, admission free, at 8.00 p.m. on Friday, 3rd September, 2004. At home or in distant regions Ray's aim at such events is to show anyone, no matter what sort of camera they use, how adopting a few simple principles can lead to photographs admired by all. He has been interested in photography all his life, starting in the'50s, with an Halina twin-lens reflex but now converses comfortably with ever increasing experience that includes the use of the most modern cameras, computers, scanners and printers that extend his capabilities to the production of posters, calendars, cards and the like. Having been brought up in, and spent his working life associated with, the countryside, it is no surprise that his primary photographic interests are landscapes and wildlife.

To benefit from his expertise in many areas an evening in his company will be invaluable to anyone with an interest in photography

Everyone's Embroidery Event

Anyone used to visiting stately homes, exhibitions and galleries and gazing at beautiful artifacts of ages past like mediaeval tapestry, ornate robes, or intricate needlework are usually left wondering how such amazing items were created. An Exhibition of Embroidery being presented in Castle Drogo between September 1st – 13th by West Country Embroiderers, Cheriton Bishop Branch is set to answer all such questions. The embroiderers return to the castle, by request, following a successful similar exhibition held there by their branch two years ago. Members come from a wide area around the county, and work produced over the last two years by those from South Zeal, Sticklepath and Okehampton will be among that exhibited. Some members have included work for sale. Throughout the exhibition period a variety of demonstrations will be presented, with Weaving, Tapestry, Goldwork, Hand and Machine Embroidery and Stumpwork among them. Members will be on hand to discuss with visitors the work exhibited and advise them of the West Country Embroiders and branch activities. Among them will be Giesla Banbury who is noted for her work on Ecclesiastical robes and her many books and Joan Tolley a leading exponent of modern Goldwork. There is no additional admission charge to the exhibition, open 11.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m, but normal National Trust charges apply to admission to Castle Drogo that is open daily, except Tuesday 7th.

Weekend of walks and teas

Despite the poor weather of recent weeks the people of Belstone still have much to offer visitors, or local people nearer home over the first weekend of September. On Saturday the 4 th a Walking Treasure Trail around Belstone starts off from the Village Hall at 3.00 p.m, and those that would like to take stroll around this Dartmoor gem are also invited to 'bring and share' some food for meal.

On Sunday the 5th the last Cream Teas of summer will be available to visitors and parishioners who care to pop in to Belstone Village Hall between 2.30 and 5.30 pm. to enjoy the fine fare provided by local people to aid local projects.

Bowls are back

The Cheriton Bishop Short Mat Bowling Club resumes its regular sessions on Wednesday 1st September from 7.30 p.m. to 10.00p.m in the Village Hall. Anyone interested in playing, or learning to play are invited to please go along and assured they will be made very welcome. For further information on the club and its meetings please phone Pat Hill on 01647 24201.