New teachers - new arrival

South Tawton County Primary School staff and pupils started the new term with a welcome for new staff at the school. Parishioners and parents add their welcome also to Mrs Sarah Prescott (SEN LSA), Mrs Louise Summers (SEN LSA), Mrs Sharon Connor (SEN MTA), Mrs Lynne Vincent (LSA YR), Mrs Judy Marshall (Art Project) and Mrs Ann Weaver (Y6/5 cover).

School staff are also pleased to announce the arrival of baby Joe Poustie on Tuesday 6th September. Joe is the son of the new Head Teacher, Mrs Heather Proustie whom, naturally, has been slightly delayed in taking up her post at the school but delighted pupils and staff all send their congratulations and best wishes to mother and baby.

Shiatsu in South Zeal

Sarah Lawes, who has moved from near Crediton to South Zeal is a shiatsu practitioner and will now be practicing in the village and surrounding area. Shiatsu massage is widely recognised as a deeply relaxing experience used to ease aches and pain and invigorate the system while being useful for many emotional and physical ailments and providing a way to stay healthy. Sarah also teaches holistic yoga in which she focuses on breath, movement, enjoyment, compassion and vitality in one to one sessions.

She is now holding yoga classes in Chagford on Monday mornings 10.30am-12.30pm and at Throwleigh House on Tuesday mornings 10.30am-12.00pm from 12 September. Trial session at £6.

For more information on yoga classes, the one to one Shiatsu or yoga session or to book a personal appointment Sarah can be contacted on 07980 267275

Walks off

Due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers the exhibition planned by the South Tawton and District Local History Group to be staged in Victory Hall, South Zeal, on Saturday 17 th September, and the associated village walks that day, had to be cancelled. Members regret and apologise for the inconvenience caused to local people and visitors but the help of local people in guiding visitors to alternative local attractions was much appreciated

Make merry with Mother Goose

Belstone panto's have become a part of the winter entertainment programme in the area and this year the group is preparing to delight the audience with its own inimical version of Mother Goose. This not only provides the majority of people in the area with something to look forward to but also offers the opportunity to some to feature in the production or assist back stage or front of house. Those hankering after the thespian life should note that rehearsals start for the next major Belstone Panto at 7.30p.m, on Thursday 29 th September. If they want to feather their nest with a winter filled with fun, they should take up the group's invitation to turn up the Village Hall that night if they fancy a part or would just like to help.

Village Show is valued.

Cheriton Bishop's annual Village Show, organised by the horticultural society is open to everyone in the area and this year proved to be one of best attended for some time. Both entries and attendance was well up on last year, bucking the trend of most local produce shows around the county. As always there was fierce competition with the following awards presented by Miss Jean Metcalfe, Chairman of the Parish Council:

The Challenge Cup for most points overall in the senior section: Tony Milward

The Banksian Medal for most points in vegetable and flowers: Joyce Ganderton

The Novice Cup, for most points by a new exhibitor: Alan Tatham

The Flower Cup: Joyce Ganderton

The Vegetable Cup: Tony Milward

The Ladies Cup: June Lukins

The Checkers Cup, for best exhibit in cookery section: Sylvia Tripp

Floral Art Cup: Molly Hutchings

The Pett Cup for most points in Flowers and Floral Art: Joyce Ganderton

Children's Senior Cup (12 - 14 yrs) Daisy Temple Ley

Children's Junior Cup (8 - 11 years) Rachel Stocks

Children's 'Charlotte' Cup (5 - 7 yrs) Rose McKinnel & Elsa Amiss

Pre School Mug (Under 5 yrs) Alfred Amiss & Levi Ley

The Joker's Cup for most points in the "off beat" joker's classes: Nina Inglis

Delighted with the entries, the organisers express many thanks to everyone who took the time and trouble to enter, hope they had good fun taking part.