Popular local prints

With prints becoming as popular as paintings these days, local artists and galleries are coming together to satisfy an expanding demand. The Salar Gallery recognised the market trend some time ago and has encouraged artists in the area to extend the availability of their work. To assist with this the gallery is staging a special Prints Exhibition for two weeks commencing on October 26 th to include the work of past artists alongside the new generation of painters that cover many schools of art. Like the two Widgery's, father and son, today's artists are readily recognised for their own individuality and the exhibition will include work by Michael Cooper, Sturgeon, David Howell and Ursula Radford among others. From the Widgery views of Dartmoor to the Radford creations of naïve, humour filled, landscapes the range of prints provide contrasts in artistic techniques rarely assembled in the region with each artists work complementing the other. This special exhibition at the Salar Gallery, in Hatherleigh High Street, ends on November 6 th and precedes its Christmas Exhibition that commences on Friday, 12 th November.

Help for horses

South Zeal members of the South West Equine Protection organisation have been proud to learn that over the last few months SWEP has achieved 30 rescues, performed 25 re-homings and released two horses back to the wild, among a long list of other achievements. The equine charity is run by volunteers, whose hearts guide them to help horses, entirely unpaid whenever a call comes. SWEP was formed eight years ago in response to the demand for a locally based society to follow up concerns about the welfare of moorland, privately owned or abandoned horses and ponies and to help those suffering from neglect and cruelty, whether caused by heartlessness or ignorance. SWEP's work began on Dartmoor, was extended to include Bodmin Moor and its members now provide an immediate response to calls for assistance anywhere in the South West of England and offer day and night emergency assistance to the police and veterinary service. Since there is a continuing need for help there is also a continuing need for helpers. All rescued horses and ponies coming into SWEP's care receive veterinary attention and the attention needed to make a full recovery - no matter how bad their original condition or how long their recovery takes. When they are fit and well they are re-homed on a regularly inspected loan basis, after being halter trained and accustomed to being handled.

For volunteers with a love for horses, SWEP provides them with many ways and opportunities to assist in the vital work of the organisation locally. Further information on this can be gained by contacting the SWEP Team members on 01837 840043 or 01822 890668 or visiting the web site

www.swep.org.uk .

Friends of St Loye's

The ladies from South Zeal, Sticklepath and other local villages that are members of the Cosdon Group of Friends of St Loye's are holding their annual Christmas sales fair during the morning of Saturday, 30 th October in the Charter Hall, Okehampton.

Concert for Church

Helen Palmer, a gifted young violinist from Tavistock will be joining a line up of renowned local artists appearing at Fairplace Church, Okehampton on Saturday, 6 th November, in a special concert in aid of the Church Organ Fund. In this family concert Helen will be joined by her mother, Beryl, and accomplished concert pianist and will also play a duet by her sister Alison during her performance that will include works by Handel, Kreisler and Sibelius. The guests will be joining David England, John Holland and Roger Partridge established local favourites whose return together in Okehampton will be welcomed. The three friends have for many years been entertaining local audiences and while David will be singing songs from his wide repertoire with accompaniment he will also attempt to sing a song with only with the aid of a metronome; something that has to be seen to be believed he promises. John Holland, Okehampton's 'Mr Music,' will include two short organ recitals to demonstrate his immense talent and virtuosity while actor/comedian Roger Partridge can be guaranteed to add his own brand of humour to an evening that also includes 'On The Fiddle' a five piece folk band that will keep toes tapping. Admission is by ticket, £4, which includes light refreshments, and are available at the 50/50 Charity Shop in the Victorian Arcade or at the church on November 6 th .

Unusual Plants

Belstone Village Hall provides the venue for next meeting of the South Tawton Garden Club, on Thursday, 28 th October at 7.30pm. Sarah Chesters from RHS Rosemoor is the guest speaker whose topic will be her fascination for and work with Unusual Plants. Non-members are always welcome to attend the Garden Club meetings and there is a convenient car park opposite the hall for visitors to use.