Closer to home
While South Zeal seems to have more that its fair share of car parking problems not all local people share the view that drivers bringing children to school to the major contributors to inconsiderate parking. A recent, ‘travel to school’ survey showed that from 163 children attending school 108 walked there, 14 came by bus, 3 cycled and 38 came by car. Those cars added to congestion for a short period and some drivers almost certainly could have been more considerate when parking but many used the Kings Arms car park as the school staff advise them to so do. To identify problem parkers where the village road narrows, or on the blind bend at Shelly and specifically at the road junction by the shop and church where drivers regularly and persistently park dangerously and probably unlawfully many villagers confirm there is a need to look closer to home.

Ticket to Luxury
Preparations for South Tawton County primary School’s annual Christmas Raffle are well under way and the with prize donations already committed the luxuries and values this event is renowned are assured. Recent donations received include Acupuncture consultation and session with Sarah Bell, books by Michael Jecks, Family Portrait Photo by Wiz Francis and 30 minute facial or back massage with Jess at Heavenly. Further donations to the luxury raffle will of course continue to be gratefully received too as will any offer of help from anyone that would be prepared to assist with selling a few tickets, £1 each, where they work or to friends and family etc. Anyone that can help or would like to donate a prize should please contact the school office and those wishing to purchase tickets will find them available at the school office, The Stores in South Zeal and the local pubs.

Local stars
Pupils and staff at the South Tawton County Primary School consider local people to be the real stars where a recent promotion was concerned. An appeal was put out for people to collect Persil Stars earlier in the year and thanks to public support the total collected was 1790. With the 280 the school had already banked last year the staff have been able to order some lovely arts/crafts resources and the pupils express their thanks to everyone that made this possible.

Parcel collection scam
West Devon Neighbourhood Watch is warning of a scam that people should be aware of should they find a card posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery - Service). The card suggests that the company has been unable to deliver a parcel to you and requests that you contact them on 0906 6611 911. DO NOT call this number, is the advice from Neighbourhood Watch. This is a scam originating in Belize that uses a premium rate number and anyone calling the number will be billed £15 for just making the phone call. There is no parcel to be delivered; the card is just a ploy to get people to call the premium rate number. If anyone receives a card, they should please phone Royal Mail Fraud on 02072 396655 or contact I.C.S.T.I.S. (the premium rate service regulator) at hftp:/Iwww.icstis.org.uk who are currently investigating this service. Be aware of this scam and do not get involved. A bit of further valuable advice is also never give your bank details to anyone who phones you unless you know the person or company you are dealing with.

Quiz Night
Throwleigh will be hosting another Quiz Night on Friday, November 3rd and there may still be time for other local villages to enter a team. Last year’s joint winners were the Blistering Barnacles from Throwleigh and the Goodwin team from South Zeal. Teams of up to four people are accepted and the cost is only £10 per team. Families, friends, workmates, clubs and organisations can all from participating teams that will all be welcomed at Throwleigh Village Hall on November 3rd to see if they beat the reigning joint champions; and a bar will be available throughout the evening. A quick call to Sarah Paget on 01647 231213 or Christine Duffy on 01647 231359 for more details or to confirm a team’s attendance.

Fruits of a flower festival
Drewsteignton Flower Festival, last month became a huge success, thanks to the wonderful team work of many people who very much appreciate all who came to support. Visitors that undoubtedly enjoyed the fruit of all the excellent talents expressed in the flowers, exhibits, old photos, open gardens, refreshments and Songs of Praise will also undoubtedly be pleased to hear that while the sums are still being finalised, in excess of £1,600 has been received for the Restoration Fund and £225 sent away to "Water Aid" in its 25th Anniversary Year.

A missing sign
A sign (value £100) advertising the Drewsteignton Flower Festival went missing from Eastern Cross. If anyone is able to shed any light as to its present whereabouts please contact Tony Thomas Tel: 01647 281602.