Cemetery entrance restored

Cemetery Pillars and Gates restored

The Parish Council has contracted local builder Trevor Hicks to restore the pillars at the parish cemetery. The original yellow bricks are no longer manufactured and Trevor spent considerable time sourcing bricks that matched the originals as closely as possible and reusing as many of the originals as possible.

Trevor has done a fantastic job and the cemetery entrance is looking much tidier than before.

Scarecrows and 1940s bus stop

VE day themed scarecrows appear throughout village

In celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE day this year the VHPFC have been hard at work, along with Brentor residents, in decorating the village. Scarecrows have been popping up from behind walls and hedges and the bus stop has received a full 1940s make over. The celebrations will culminate in an afternoon tea with the Hummingbirds Trio providing some period entertainment (if you haven't already please RSVP your invitation to see if places are still available).

Many thanks to the committee and residents that have put so much effort in taking the village back to the 1940s.

ERA 1st Class Russell Eastcott

Engine Room Artificer 1st Class Russell Eastcott, who is buried in the churchyard of Christ Church, was killed in an air raid in 1941 aged 48 at HMS Drake while serving with the Royal Navy. Although buried in the village he is not commemorated on the Parish war memorial  and enquiries have failed to locate a commemoration of his death on another memorial anywhere else. The Parish Council would like to arrange for his name to be added to the war memorial to ensure that he is remembered properly and propose to arrange this in readiness of Remembrance Day this year.

If anyone would like to comment on the proposal that his name is added to the war memorial, or have any information about where he is named on a memorial, then please get in touch with the Parish Council here.

Brentor Parish Council Grant Applications 2024/25

Parish Council Grants to Local Organisations

As in previous years the Parish Council will consider including a sum within its budget for supporting local organisations.

If your organisation is thinking of asking the Parish Council for a grant then please contact the Parish Clerk by the 9th December 2024 with the following information:

  • Purpose for which a grant is required
  • Budgeted income and expenditure for the current financial year
  • Report on the use of any previous Parish Council grant.

Applications should be sent to the Parish Clerk, Mrs Caroline Oxenham either by post (1 Abbotsfield Crescent, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8EY) or via email brentorpc@yahoo.com.

Tel: 01822 481415 or 07846 573678 (Monday to Friday)

Grant application form

    Hydrosnake flood defence barriers

    Hydrosnake flood defence

    Red hydrosnake sandbags stopping water from entering a basement

    Hydrosnake flood defence barriers

    The Parish Council have been looking at ways to support the community after the flash flooding at the beginning of the year. Although many of the potential solutions are beyond the reach of the Parish Council we have found a product that could potentially help should a similar event occur in the future.

    Cllr Sanders has agreed to match any funding from the Parish Council to provide Hydrosnakes to those worried about the impact of flooding on their property. For those at risk of flooding Hydrosnakes offer a more practical alternative to traditional sandbags. They are easier to store, transport and deploy than sandbags and after use can be composted with other garden waste. More information can be found by clicking here.

    We plan to offer Hydrosnakes free of charge to residents of the parish on a first come, first served basis. To try to gauge demand we are asking those who think that Hydrosnakes could help protect their property to contact the Parish Council by completing the form on this page. Once we have an idea of numbers then we will then place a bulk order and arrange distribution.

    The Parish Council has a store of emergency equipment available for use in various emergencies. For more information please visit the webpage: Emergency Equipment.

    Expression of interest

      The Brentorians present…

      Brentorians present:

      OCTOBER 10th, 11th and 12th

      Charles always shared the same bench in the park with his wife. Now Charles is alone, with only his memories of Rose sitting on the other end of the bench, until various people start to share the bench with him. These people may, or may not, be the cause of Charles misplacing something. Was it misplaced, or was it stolen? And who are the two mysterious people constantly checking their mobile phones and looking furtive?!

      Performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10th- 12th October 2024

      at Brentor Village Hall

      Tickets £7.50 per person

      Bar available

      Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start

      Please book tickets in advance with Helen de Carles on 01822 810412

      New defibrillator at the Village Hall

      A new defibrillator has been installed at the Village Hall in Brentor to replace the old unit which had reached the end of it’s serviceable life. The equipment and storage cabinet have been purchased with Parish Council funds and a grant from the Department of Health and Social Care fund.In the event of a medical emergency always dial 999 first. The ambulance service know where defibrillators are located and how to access them. There is no mobile phone cover in much of the Parish but there is a public payphone adjacent to the War Memorial in Brentor which can be used to call the emergency services.

      For more information about defibrillators (and other emergency equipment) and what to do in an emergency please click here.

      Further Vacancy for Councillor

      BRENTOR PARISH COUNCIL

      NOTICE OF VACANCY

      There is 1 further vacancy on Brentor Parish Council.

      A by-election to fill the vacancies will be held if within 14 days of the date of this Notice (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Bank Holidays) ten electors from the Parish give notice in writing to the Returning Officer requiring that such an election be held.

      The address of the Returning Officer is West Devon Borough Council, Kilworthy Park, Drake Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0BZ. A request for an election can also be scanned and emailed to elections@westdevon.gov.uk, but the document must contain “wet ink” signatures.

      If no such notice is given, the Parish Council will fill the vacancies through co-option.

      For further information please contact the Clerk to the Parish Council.

      Dated: 7th May  2024

      Signed:          Caroline Oxenham                      Clerk

       

      Annual Parish Meeting – 7th May 2024

      The Annual Parish Meeting for Brentor Parish Council will be held on the 7th May 2024 at 7.00 p.m. in the Village Hall at Brentor.

      The meeting will comprise of:

      • The Chairman’s Report
      • The Financial Report
      • An informal session to meet Councillors to ask questions and raise any relevant matters.

      The meeting will be followed by a meeting of the Brentor Parish Council. 

      The Agenda and Action Tracker are available here

      Alvin Diaz – Update

      Alvin Diaz

      Alvin has now been missing for two days.

      The Police have traced Alvin to the bus station in Tavistock where it is believed that he boarded a bus for Plymouth. It is not known at this point where he got off the bus but the working theory is that he has travelled to the city. Alvin has links to the boating community in Plymouth and it is possible that he has visited one of the marinas or boat yards in the area.

      Please spread the word about Alvin, his family are desperate to bring him back home.

      Update on the search for Brentor resident Alvin Diaz

      Update on the search for Brentor resident Alvin Diaz

      Update at 20:00 28th March 2024.

      Alvin has still not been located. However the Police now believe that he may be in the Plymouth area as it is thought that he boarded a bus for Plymouth after travelling to the bus station in Tavistock on the 118 bus from Brentor. Enquiries are continuing to try and locate Alvin, if anyone has any information that they think may help the Police locate Alvin please call 999 and quote Log 408 of 27th March 24.

      There is a Facebook thread about the search: (20+) Brentor, Lydford & Mary Tavy Hub | Facebook

      Police search for Brentor resident Alvin Diaz

      Concern for missing Brentor man Alvin Diaz

      From Devon & Cornwall Police (original article)

      Police are growing concerned for the welfare of a 72-year-old man who has been reported missing from Brentor in West Devon.

      Alvin Diaz was last seen at around 10am this morning [27 March] at his home but has not been seen or heard from since.

      Alvin is described as a white man, around 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build. He is bald with grey round the sides and grey stubble.

      He is believed to be wearing a jacket, navy blue trousers with a blue jumper. He may be wearing a black woolly hat and Merrell trekking shoes. He may also be wearing blue rimmed glasses.

      Searches are enquiries are ongoing in the area in efforts to find Alvin but we’re asking for the public to report any sightings or information which may help us.

      Anyone who sees Alvin or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 999 quoting log 408 of 27 March.

      Stop the Meters – Tavistock Parking – Public Meeting

      Stop the Meters – Tavistock Parking – Public Meeting

      There is a public meeting at the Bedford Hotel on 28th February 2024 at 6 p.m. to discuss the next steps in the campaign to stop parking charges being imposed in Tavistock. Devon County Council are meeting on the 13th March to decide whether to implement the charges and there is a protest planned at County Hall. For more information visit the campaign website at https://www.tavistockbid.co.uk/stop-the-meters-campaign

      Road Closure Notice

      Road Closure

      Notice has been given by DCC of another road closure in the Parish from Thursday 2nd May to Tuesday 7th May 2024:

      ROAD FROM HAYE DOWN TO STAGS HEAD HOUSE, BRENTOR

      The alternative, signed, route for vehicles will be via - ROAD FROM HAYE DOWN TO STAGS HEAD HOUSE - ROAD FROM WESTCOTT TO BRENTOR BRIDLEPATH - ROAD FROM PITLAND CORNER  TO HEATHFIELD PLANTATION - ROAD FROM SPORTSMANS CROSS TO NEWLANDS - ROAD FROM HAYE DOWN TO SPORTSMANS CROSS - ROAD FROM HAYE DOWN TO STAGS HEAD HOUSE

      You can download the full notice here:
      240201 TTRO2455315 On Site Notice (002)

      Pothole misery

      Local pot holes highlighted in local press

      Will Walker-Smith is so fed up with the state of the roads in the Parish he sent a picture in to the local paper showing the shocking state of the roads in Liddaton which they published highlighting the issue (again). Residents in Liddaton feel as if DCC have forgotten that they exists as little has been done to remedy the appalling road conditions and drainage/flooding problems there. DCC have been repeatedly informed by residents and BPC (as well as local and county councillors Robert Oxborough and Phillip Sanders) of a number of issues in our parish but little has been done to remedy them. If you would like to report an issue on the roads to DCC the easiest way is through their online reporting tool: Report a problem - Roads and transport (devon.gov.uk) .

      Maybe if enough people report issues then something will be done!

      Proposed parking charges in Tavistock and Okehampton

      Parking charges consultation ends 7th January - be quick!

      Devon County Council has announced plans to introduce on street parking charges in Tavistock and Okehampton despite opposition from just about everyone. Not only is there strong opposition to the proposed charges DCC have not provided any evidence to support the benefits that they believe the charges will bring (better air quality, less traffic and better access to premises).

      The consultation period ends at the end on the next week (7th January). Please click on the link below to send your thoughts to DCC about what appears to be another cash grab. There is more information on the following sites:

      You can send your comments using the form here Parking Charges Response Form and sign the petition here Petition · Stop The Meters! Protect Tavistock Town Centre - Keep Parking Free. · Change.org and another here Petition | Tavistock (visit-tavistock.co.uk)

      Former Borough and Parish Councillor honoured

      Former councillor Terry Pearce recognised for his service as Borough Councillor.

      Alderman presentation - L to R - Terry Pearce, Diana Moyse, West Devon Mayor Cllr Lynn Daniel, Mike Davies, and Mark Ridgers

      Terry Pearce, who for many years represented Brentor at West Devon Borough Council as well as serving as the Chair of Brentor Parish Council, has been honoured by being made an Honorary Alderman of West Devon Borough Council. The honour was made in recognition of his service to the communities of West Devon. Terry worked tirelessly for the people of Brentor and the other wards he represented before stepping down last year. You can read more about the award here.

      DCC Roads and Transport reporting tool

      DCC roads and transport - report an issue

      Devon County Council Roads and Transport have an online tool that allows the reporting of problems with the roads or transport in the County. You can use the service to report issues such as flooding, blocked drains, pot holes or defective signage. The Parish Council have been informed that the quickest way to report an issue, and presumably get it resolved, is to use this service. In an emergency (something that is very likely to present an imminent threat to life or serious injury or serious damage to property) do not use the tool but contact the emergency line on tel:03451551004.

      Thermal Imaging Cameras for loan

      Thermal Imaging Cameras for loan

      Image of a house through a thermal imaging device

      Thermal imaging can help detect where heat is leaking from your property

      Are you interested in seeing where your property is "leaking" heat?

      West Devon Borough Council has obtained several thermal imaging cameras that can be used to find where heat is leaking from your windows, walls and roof. Information on the scheme can be found here: https://www.westdevon.gov.uk/housing/housing-support/thermal-imaging-camera-hire.

      If you are interested in the service then please get in touch with so we can gauge interest in the Parish and arrange for the loan of the cameras (they can only be loaned via Parish Councils).

      Thanks to our local councillor Cllr Robert Oxborough who was instrumental in arranging the acquisition of the cameras for residents use.

      Mistletoe Fair 2023

      2023 Mistletoe Fair

      Brentor Village Hall was packed with festive visitors last Saturday (2/12/23) attending the annual Mistletoe Fair. As well as tasty food and drink there were lots of stalls selling all sorts of Christmas essentials with accompanying music from the Hummingbirds.

      The fair is an important event in the Village Hall calendar raising vital funds for the upkeep of the hall. It takes an enormous amount of energy to put on such an event (and bake all those goodies!) so a big thank you to the VHPFC for their hard work in making is such as success and to all those that came along and enjoyed the event.

      See you in 2024!

      Swamp Stomp at Village Hall

      BRENTOR VILLAGE HALL hosts The Swamp Stomp String Band

      BRENTOR VILLAGE HALL hosts The Swamp Stomp String Band

      Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm Tickets £12 adults £8 children

      The Swamp Stomp String Band are a raucous and energetic travelling three-piece band from the UK, consisting of banjos, upright bass, guitars, anda flat-pack honky-tonk piano. We play rambunctious, up-tempo, old-time music infused with Bluegrass, Country, Americana, and anything else you might find pouring out of a beer soaked, roadside dive-bar!

      Book tickets online at: https://villagesinaction.co.uk/performances/the-swamp-stomp-string-band/

       

       

      The Brentor Band of Hope Banner

      The Brentor Band of Hope Banner

      An article has been sent to the website about the restoration and preservation of the Brentor Band of Hope Banner that was donated to the Tavistock Museum when then chapel was closed down. You can read more about it on the Brentor Band of Hope Banner page. Unfortunately the name of the person who sent the article and pictures to the site wasn't included so please get in touch and let us know your details so we can give credit to the author!

      Electoral Canvassers

      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.

      The Brentorians – 2023 AGM

      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

      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

      Mitchell and Vincent at Brentor Village Hall

      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

      Parish Cemetery Maintenance

      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

      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