Electoral Canvassers

By Community Information, Featured, News, Ongoing Community Issues, Parish Council

Electoral Canvassers

It is that time of year again when canvassers will be calling on all properties within the council area who are required to, but have not yet returned, a Canvass Form with regard to Electoral Registration. The Canvassers will be trying to make contact with those households who have not supplied information that we have requested under Electoral Registration legislation. 

The canvassers will be carrying ID and will be delivering forms and not taking information at the doorstep, unless it is offered to them.

Upcoming MED Theatre events

By Upcoming, What's On

MED Theatre Events

MED Theatre have a couple of exciting events coming up that we wanted to share with you in November!

Friday 10th November we will be hosting our next Mothers-Who-Make Bimonthly group. Mothers Who Make Dartmoor gatherings are for creative mothers of all ages and background.

Published South West novelist Tracey Fuller is our guest speaker this month. Tracey will share her journey through motherhood and writing. The session will be interactive, discussing and workshopping plot lines for her new book. All types of Makers (professional or passionate) and Mothers (eg. grand/to be/bereaved) are invited ~ your children, family, friends are always welcome in the space. We will be meeting 10am - 12pm in the MED Theatre studio, Moretonhampstead. Email abbystobart@medtheatre.co.uk if you would like to join. Donations welcomed.

After this, with winter fast approaching, we are back with a Christmas Fundraising Ceilidh again this year. Come and join us on Saturday 25th November for an evening full of fun, dancing, and Christmas cheer! It will be at the Moretonhampstead Parish Hall with the amazing Moretonhampstead Folk Orchestra playing and David Faulkner calling some fun dances for all to enjoy. There will be a bar and nibbles available for sale, and a Christmassy raffle (prize donations welcomed!!). Doors open 6:30pm with the first dance at 7pm. Tickets available on the door or online in advance.

E-mail info@medtheatre.co.uk for more info or head to our website at www.medtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/

The Brentorians – 2023 AGM

By Community Information, Featured, News, Upcoming, Village Groups, What's On

The Brentorians 2023 Annual General Meeting will be held on the 27th September 2023 in the Village Hall at 7 p.m.

All are welcome to attend the meeting where we will be discussing the next play we will perform and rehearsal and performance dates. If you would like to join us then please come along and find out all the different roles that are on offer.

Click here to download the AGM and 2022 AGM Minutes.

Stop the closure of the mobile library service

By Community Information, Featured, News, Ongoing Community Issues, Parish Council

Save Devon's Mobile Libraries

Image: Devon County Council

The campaign to save Devon’s mobile libraries from closure by Devon County Council has now reached more than 4000 online signatures and hundreds more paper signatures, with support from a whole host of celebrities and authors including Stephen Fry and Michael Morpurgo.

To sign the petition online  https://www.change.org/SaveOurMobileLibrary

This petition calls on Devon County Council to keep the mobile library service running in Devon, especially here where we have many very rural and isolated areas which really benefit from its service.

Please sign and share this petition to help save our mobile libraries before the final decision is made by county councillors in the next few weeks.

The campaign to save the mobile library service has attracted national attention and support from Stephen Fry and Michael Rosen:

Authors join online campaign to save ‘vital’ Devon mobile library services

If you would rather sign the petition in person then please visit the Brentor Village Hall on Saturday 2 September during the Summer Fete and Produce Show between 9:30 and 3:00

Foresty Plan Consultation

By Community Information, Natural Brentor, Parish Council

Lydford Forest Consultation

Consultation period ends on 13th October

Forestry England are working on a new forest plan for their land at Lydford, Brentor and Burley Down. The plan will define the long-term vision for the woodland and sets out how management of the land will acheive this over the next ten years.

Forestry England are keen to get as many comments as possible on the draft plan that has been published here https://consult.forestryengland.uk/ to get the am appropriate balance of views and opinions. The plan can be accessed by selecting "Lydford Forest Plan questionnaire" where feedback and comments can be left. The questionnaire will be available until the 13th October.

You can contact Forestry England by emailing them: westenglandplanning@forestryengland.uk

Why are there names missing from the war memorial?

By Featured

Why are there names missing from the War Memorial?

A few months ago the Parish Council received an enquiry regarding the reason why the names of two casualties of the Second World War appeared to have been left off of the Brentor War Memorial. The names of the two individuals were Russell Eastcott and Percival Cocks. After some research the circumstances in which they died have been ascertained and possible reasons as to why they are not on the Brentor War Memorial.

Russell Eastcott

Russell Eastcott was killed in an air raid at Devonport just after his 49th birthday. He was a Engine Room Artificer 1st Class in the Royal Navy and had been in the Royal Navy since 1914 surviving the First World War where he served on a number of ships. At the time of his death he was married and the marital home was in Hampton-on-Thames in Middlesex (now in London). It would seem that he was buried in Christ Church as it was his family church and it was the most appropriate option rather than moving his body to Hampton, although the actual reasons are unknown.

The general rule was that casualties were commemorated where they lived, as his wife was still in Hampton (now Hampton-on-Thames) he should be named on a memorial there. Hampton didn't build a war memorial but instead built cottages for returning veterans. There is a tablet attached to the cottages and a small memorial but no names are on either. I have contacted the trust that still runs the cottages for ex-service men and women to see if he is commemorated somewhere. If he isn’t commemorated in Hampton (or elsewhere) then it may be an application could be made to have his name added to the war memorial.

Percival Rowland Cocks

Percival Rowland Cocks was a South African Master Mariner who was lost at sea when the merchantman he was serving on as Chief Officer, S.S. Navasota, was torpedoed by U-Boat U47 just off the Scilly Isles on 5th December 1939. It was the day after his 42nd birthday. He had married only a few months before on the 11th August 1939 in St Michaels on the Tor where he is commemorated with a plaque. He is also listed on Plaque 27 on the Merchant Navy Memorial at Tower Hill in London for those who have no known grave. As he is commemorated in the church and also in London we would not be able to add his name to the war memorial.

We are continuing to research these two men, if any one has anymore information on either individual that throws further light on the matter then please get in touch via the contact page.

Mitchell and Vincent at Brentor Village Hall

By Featured, News, Upcoming, Village Groups, Village Hall, What's On
two people, possibly mitchell and vincent, stand in a mysterious and misty landscape

Brentor Community Trust hosts Mitchell and Vincent at Brentor Village Hall

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!

New date! Saturday 23rd September 2023

Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start

Tickets £12 adult/£8 under 16s

To buy tickets online please go to:

Westcountry folk duo Mitchell and Vincent bring traditional and contemporary styles on fiddle and guitar to music from the British Isles with their own varied arrangements telling stories with their tunes as well as songs.

They have performed concerts around the UK, including festivals such as Glastonbury, Broadstairs, Oxford and Beverley.

Acoustic magazine praised their playing as, “Stunning”; FATEA said, “Music that is beautifully played”; while Bright Young Folk described their performance as, "Providing skilled arrangements and expert delivery of tunes and songs which showcase the vibrancy, and variety, of folk music across Britain. A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable experience.”

To find out more about the band, go to https://mitchellandvincent.com/

mitchell and vincent performing in an unknown venue

Brentor Commons AGM 2023

By Featured, Natural Brentor, Village Groups, What's On

Brentor Commons AGM 2023

You are invited to attend the Brentor Commons Association AGM which is being held in the Brentor Village Hall at 7.00pm on Wednesday the 24th of May 2023.

There will be a brief business meeting.

This will be followed at 8pm by a talk by the well known nature conservationist and author Derek Gow.  

Derek is a breeder of the Eurasian Beavers, Water Voles, White Storks and Wildcats, for planned reintroduction programmes across the UK. 

Derek lives locally near Broadwoodwidger where he has been rewilding areas of his 300 acre farm.

His latest book is ‘ Birds Beasts and Bedlam Turning my Farm into an Ark for Lost Species’.

If you plan to attend, we would be grateful if you would contact Will Walker Smith via email liddaton@icloud.com 

The cost to non BCA members is £5 per adult (children free) payable on the door. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible,

Brentor Commons Association Commitee

 

Parish Cemetery Maintenance

By Featured, News, Parish Council, Parish Council News

Parish Cemetery - New bench and new contractor

Over the winter period the Parish Council have been advertising for a new contractor to mow and maintain the Parish Cemetery. It has been difficult to find someone willing to take the work on for a number of reasons but we are hopefully about to conclude negotiations with a local company to carry out the work.

During the annual inspection the Parish Councillors noticed that the bench and noticeboard were in a state of disrepair. Both have been replaced using donations to pay for the new bench and noticeboard. The bench is already in place and the new noticeboard is being manufactured and will soon be in place.

Thanks to Cllr Fraser for her hard work sourcing, ordering and installing the bench and removing the old one.

New Mobile Library service for Brentor

By Community Information, News, What's On

Mobile Library Service for Brentor

The mobile library will be visiting Brentor every four weeks. It is a trial stop for the library which will run until Christmas to guage the level of interest in the service. The timetable is attached below. To use the mobile library you will need a mobile library card (which differs from the normal library card), these can be issued from the mobile library van. Once you have a library card you can use it at any mobile library stop, Unfortunately only books borrowed from the mobile library can be returned to the mobile library.

For more information or if you have any questions you can contact Libraries Unlimited via their web page: Contact the Library

Photo ID now needed when voting

By Featured, Parish Council, Parish Council News

Don't forget your photo ID when voting

A change in the rules relating to voting now means that you must show photographic ID when voting.

Acceptable forms of identification are:

  • Passport
  • Driving Licence
  • Blue Badge
  • Older Persons Bus Pass
  • Defence Identity Card
  • Biometric immigration Document
  • PASS Card (Identity card bearing
    the Proof of Age Standards Scheme
    hologram)

If you do not have any of these documents you can apply for a free Voter ID document. Full details are on the poster and at www.electoralcommission.org.uk

2023 Mayoral Awards – Nominations Open

By Community Information, Featured, News, Parish Council

Press Release

The following press release has been issued by West Devon Borough Council:

West Devon Mayoral Awards Now Open

Issued: 23 January 2023

Nominations are open for the 2023 West Devon Borough Council Mayoral Awards, which recognise deserving people providing valuable contributions to the community.
The Borough Council is looking for outstanding people who deserve public recognition for their unpaid work or contribution. Whether an individual, group or an organisation, the Council wants to hear about them.
The Mayoral Awards have now been running for a fantastic 25 years. They have celebrated the outstanding achievements of a wide range of people who have done something significant to benefit the Borough.
Some past winners have enhanced the reputation of West Devon nationally, while others have contributed hugely to the conservation and protection of the Borough’s beautiful natural environment.
The four categories this year are:
• The West Devon Mayoral Award for Under 18s
• The West Devon Mayoral Award for Over 18s / Organisation
• The Mayor’s Green Award
• Long Service Award
The Long Service Award, which was introduced for the first time last year, recognises those who have worked behind the scenes, contributing to their community over a number of years.
The Green Award covers a wide range of environmental or sustainable areas, such as recycling, improving biodiversity or green transport. If you know someone who is ‘green fingered’ or doing their bit to combat climate change, this award is a great way to celebrate their achievements.
Nominations close on Friday 17 February 2023.

Mayor of West Devon, Cllr Caroline Mott, said: “With life difficult for many it is even more important for us to value and recognise those who strive to make a difference in their communities.

“Please use this opportunity to nominate someone who has made a difference in the Borough so that they may be considered for an award. It is always a joy to read through the nominations even though it is a difficult task to name a final winner.

“All those nominated will receive a certificate to recognise their endeavours with the winners invited to receive their award after the Hub Committee meeting on Tuesday 7 March 2023."

Judges will include the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and two other Councillors. The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony planned for Tuesday 7 March 2023 at the Council Officer, Kilworth park, Tavistock.
If you know someone who you think is deserving of an award, you can complete a nomination form, giving us details of why you think they should receive one.

To access the nomination forms and for more information visit: https://www.westdevon.gov.uk/mayors-awards

Villages in Action – Help! I think I’m a Nationalist!

By Community Information, Featured, News, Village Groups, Village Hall, What's On

This event is now sold out

Don't forget your tickets!

Saturday 18th March 2023 7.30pm start at Brentor Village Hall

Who am I?  Where do I belong?  And who should I vote for? Cornwall is at a tipping point.  House prices soar, the population shifts, tensions rise.  Some people see it as a separate nation, whilst others see it as a prime holiday destination and playground for the rich.  Seamas Carey is confused.  He is desperately trying to understand.  He’s watched a wave of gentrification sweep through his rural hometown.  There’s nowhere to live, yet second homes stand empty.  He wishes Cornwall was more welcoming and inclusive, but watches “up country” money sow division and suspicion.  Could closing borders and nationalism be the answer?  Where’s the line between pride and power?  What happens when it all goes too far?

Seamas needs help…he needs your help!

Suitable for 16+ years.  Tickets £13 available to book in advance online at:

https://villagesinaction.co.uk/events/help-i-think-im-a-nationalist/

TWO VENUES & NIGHTS ON THIS WEB PAGE – SO BE SURE TO BOOK BRENTOR

Or call HELEN ON 01822 810412

 

Free Trees!

By Community Information, Featured, News, Village Hall, What's On,

Trees, Bacon Rolls, Cake and Hot Drinks this Saturday at the Village Hall

Help us make sure that the morning runs as smoothly as possible:

Please do not arrive before 9:45 and only park on the hall side of the road so that tractors, buses etc can safely pass.

Bacon Rolls, cake and hot drinks will be served from 9:45.

Trees are first come first served. On arrival please come into the hall to collect a numbered ticket to ensure your place in the queue.

Trees will be given away in order of ticket number from 10:30 onwards. Please wait in the hall until your number is called

There is a maximum of 5 trees per household and we have enough trees for about 65 households.

There are about 13 types of native trees including crab apple, hazel, rowan, hawthorn, birch and alder

Drainage maintenance

By Community Information, Featured, News, Ongoing Community Issues, Parish Council, Parish Council News

Brentor Lengthsman

Unfortunately our Parish Lengthsman will be out of action with immediate effect for 8 to 10 weeks due to sudden illness.  Work had only started in the Parish so there are likely to be areas where the drains are not working properly during periods of heavy rainfall, especially now that all the leaves are off the trees.

Should this be causing flooding near you,  I would advise that you call MY DEVON on 0345 1551004 and ask for Highways, this will connect you to the emergency helpline who will be happy to help.

Let’s Talk Pre-Teens

By Featured, Parish Council

Let;s talk Pre-Teens

The South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership have been working with a wide range of partners to produce a toolkit to support parents of pre-teens (9-12 year olds).  This has been developed as a result of the resounding success of the Let’s Talk Teenagers programme that has seen 2497 engagements with parents and carers so far.  FREE online sessions through the Let’s Talk programme for parents and carers of pre-teens are available this month.

The Let’s Talk program is designed to increase parent and carers knowledge around the key risks whilst giving simple tools and techniques to help them support their child.  As a partnership we acknowledge that parenting can be really difficult, especially in such challenging times.  We want to get these resources to as many parents as possible and we need your help!  We would be really grateful if you could share the information included in this email with all your contacts and communities so we can reach as many parents and carers as possible.  From the 2nd of January we will be running a social media campaign through Devon County Council so if you have social media please share the posts.

Tickets are free and available at Let's Talk Pre-Teens.

The topics covered will be as follows:

Tuesday 17th January 2023

  • Biology
  • Difficult emotions
  • Substance misuse

Tuesday 24th January 2023

  • Relationships
  • Exploitation
  • Pornography
  • Societal Stereotypes

Tuesday 31st January 2023

  • Physical risks
  • Safety planning
  • Mental health
  • Self-care

Cost of Living Advice

By Featured, Parish Council

Cost of Living Special – how and where to find support this winter

West Devon Community and Volunteer Services have produced a factsheet with lots of advice to help during the cost of living crisis. You can read it by clicking the button on the right.

There are several sections:

1. Foodbanks and transport
2. Warm spaces
3. Money, Debt and Benefits Advice
4. Funding for Individuals
5. Funding for Groups

As well as the factsheets there is lots of information on their website, In Touch Tavi, click here to visit this excellent resource.