Beacon Villages
Under Cosdon Beacon Dartmoor Devon UK
Restoration on view With restoration work on the ancient Church House, South Tawton well under way the first of three promised 'open' days has been arranged for Friday, 3rd June, when those interested in seeing work in progress are welcome to visit the house between 1.30 and 3.30p.m. Thought to have been built in the late 15th or early 16th century, the earliest record in the churchwardens' accounts appears in 1558-59 to confirm that bordes were being stored in churche hose . Built of coursed granite ashlar, hand cut stone with a minimum of mortar, the thatched house has an intriguing past and historians will be on hand to talk to visitors about that and the importance of the building to the local community down the centuries. Architectural experts will be there also to explain the procedures that being followed as restoration progresses. Other open days are being planned for July 8 th and August 19 th and more details on the restoration and how it may be helped can be obtained by calling David Youle on 01837 840418. |
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Come and join us The need for occasional churchgoers to participate more fully in the services and activities that support the church of their faith is becoming daily more apparent to those that are often absent from village churches in the parochial parish of South Tawton. Parishioners throughout the South Tawton parochial area are becoming aware that the parlous state of congregation sizes in the diocese of Exeter, and especially in their own parish may result in radical change. The full significance of planned changes in the diocese over coming years are just registering with people who realise that parish services enjoyed over the centuries may come to an end with the eventual retirement or departure of the present vicar and the parish may then be joined with 18 to 20 other parishes for the purpose of sharing services. There is a much mistaken impression that the Anglican Church Commissioners represent a bottomless source of wealth and while assets are considerable, income over the years has declined. No diocese can depend on support that previously was available and the diocese is responsible for paying many operating costs from the "Common Fund" collected from the parishes. To support these costs the "planned giving" of the parish currently provides about 1/6th of the necessary sum and this allows that the church can reclaim 28% of the amount of donation made through Gift Aid by a tax payer whose contribution of, say, £100 becomes worth £128 to the church. However despite those benefits even with collections at services, the very generous support of the community at various special fund raising activities and fees for special serviceman, all added to the total the income falls far short of what is necessary. Future continuity of the churches, as we know them, appears now to depend on more people getting to know them now. |
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Worthy winners Several boys attending primary school in South Zeal play rugby with the club in Okehampton in the various age groups and the Under 9s, who have been given tremendous guidance and encouragement by their coach, Steve Francis look back at a fantastic season. Many parents in and around South Zeal and other rural villages who have children that enjoyed playing rugby nearly every Sunday morning and every Friday since last autumn often had to try to ignore feeling cold and getting wet as they stood on the edge of many a pitch as they supported their offspring but were rewarded by a once-in-a-lifetime look on the face of the young ones when they held the Devon Festival Under 9's trophy in their hands. Parents of the boys congratulate Steve on the magnificent performance his team produced with some exciting rugby, whacking tackles, in their first season of contact rugby. Congratulations go to the team as a whole for their courage and enthusiasm, particularly for not conceding a try during the whole of the tournament at Paignton and for a game well played throughout the season.
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Car park conservation Occasional users of the car park in South Zeal have already discovered the useful newcomer to the area but most parishioners appear unaware that lurking there is a bin that provides new conservation opportunities to everyone for miles around. The unheralded receptacle was installed at some time with the intention of encouraging local people to recycle their plastic milk bottles. With Devon struggling to reduce waste being sent to land-fill sites, it is hoped that more people will use the bin provided instead of putting their plastic milk bottles out with other rubbish for collection.
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Strut your stuff Belstone Players, renowned for their colourful fun-filled pantomimes and rib-tickling plays will be holding their AGM on Friday, 3 rd June at 7.30p.m, in Belstone Village Hall. For any that enjoyed the Players' marvellous performances over recent years, the AGM provides the ideal opportunity to find out what is planned for the future and the potential for joining the group. On stage, backstage and in all the other areas of producing and presenting a show there is a need for people to volunteer to be in the right place at the right time. Those already involved will offer a warm welcome to others in all age groups. |
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Garden Open A normally private garden at Cleave House, Sticklepath, will be open to the public on Saturday, 4 th June from 10.30am-5.00pm and on Sunday 5 th June, from 12 noon - 5.00p.m, with Cream teas available. |
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