Adult Learning Classes

A wide range of activities in Sticklepath Village Hall is being organized. These are likely to include yoga classes, computers for beginners, circle dancing and cookery. However, no final decision has yet been made. All these activities can only take place with sufficient people registered. Computer classes for a maximum number of ten participants, beginning early March for a period of ten weeks, could be arranged for Wednesday afternoons (2-4pm) whilst yoga lessons are a possibility for either Tuesday afternoons or Thursday mornings. A trial of three sessions for circle dancing - "for fun, fitness and friendship" - is planned for Thursday evenings 16th, 23rd and 30th March under the expert guidance of Fiona Parr. Anyone interested in any of the above activities should telephone Peter Williams as soon as possible on 01837 840757 either for more information or simply to register

March forth for spring clean

Following on the past tradition of a community spring clean of the Victory Hall, South Zeal, Saturday, March 4th, is the date set for volunteers to march forth to tackle the task this year. A jolly morning of domestic pleasure on a bigger-than-home scale is promised between 9.00a.m. and 12.30p.m, with coffee and cake provided, to all possessing a jovial community spirit who can spare an hour or two, and might bring a useful bucket or broom with them. Elspeth Brint and the other organisers will be pleased to greet friends old or new and Elspeth can be contacted for further information on 01837 82220.

Embroiderers challenging year

With major exhibitions planned for this year at Rosemoor and Castle Drogo, in addition to their home-based annual event, Cheriton Bishop branch members of West Country Embroiderers are confidently facing the challenging of producing work to the high standard they are renowned for to satisfy the demand. Creating high quality embroidery requires painstaking dedication and skill and

West Country Embroiderers was founded in 1973 by a those possessing those attributes who felt the need to foster the art of embroidery in their own part of the country. Today, WCE extends throughout Cornwall, Devon Somerset and Dorset, but membership is open to anyone and meetings, open to all members, are held monthly. The value of design in relation to embroidery as a creative and exploratory medium, as well as maintaining embroidery as a craft and encouraging the less confident, is a priority for WCE members. Those in the Cheriton Bishop group are inviting anyone with an interest in embroidery, beginner or experienced, to join them at Cheriton Bishop Village Hall on March 7th from 1.45p.m. or, to learn more of the group’s plans and activities, call 01837 840547.

Supporting local hospice

Even those relying on the help provided by a hospice are not always fully aware of the support provided by the community that is vital in making that help available. Residents of South Zeal, Sticklepath, Belstone and other nearby moorland villages regularly contribute to the work of our local hospice by donating items for sale in the Okehampton Hospice shop in the knowledge that their help is being directed to the hospice that serves the local community. Many people also make financial contributions to a General Fund that provided help to hospices throughout the nation. In these days of strained finances it is recognised that there are limits to people’s ability to donate cash and the volunteer staff at the Okehampton shop are grateful to all those that donate goods instead. Good quality clothing is perhaps a mainstay in providing finance direct to the local hospice but a glance in the shop window in the Victorian Arcade confirms that useful household items, ornaments, books and bric-a-brac all help those in need. Stamps too, collected at home or at work, are welcomed all year round. The shop manageress and staff are always delighted to receive contributions while Buttercup Cottage, South Zeal, provides a convenient dropping off point for contributions from villagers that are then taken to the shop.