Down to earth fundraising
When £422.29 was collected at his father’s funeral in August for the Devon Air Ambulance Neil Cooper from South Zeal still had in mind that there were other charities to be helped. A couple of weeks ago Neil and five others followed his father’s example of fundraising for worthy causes by tackling a sponsored abseil.
With Neil taking the lead each of them abseiled the side of the 200 feet Civic Centre and in doing so between them raised over £800 for Guide Dogs for the Blind and extend their thanks to all the sponsors that made the magnificent donation possible.

Dowsing methods revealed
Mythological the mysteries that provide fine stories surrounding access to underground powers, biblical accounts of waters gushing from the ground at the tapping of a staff or tales of unseen grid that road-like links distant points in many compass directions are likely to be among many things considered by local painter John Christian over the weekend of Saturday, 3rd December and Sunday 5th when he holds a course on dowsing in South Tawton. In the village’s historic Church House, during what promises to be a fascinating two days, John will be showing that answers to questions like, what is a leyline, why ancient sites and many churches share the same ground or how underground water can be found in the practice of dowsing.
This course will be similar to the one held in August and is being offered, by popular request, for those who missed the previous occasion and would still like to gain some insight into this enigmatic and far-reaching subject. For furthers information, contact John or Teresa Christian on 01837 840227

Present school governors
There have been a few changes to the governing body of South Tawton County Primary School in recent months but the up-to-date list for information is as follows:
Dr. Peter Brotherton Chair of Governors; Mrs. Clare Foulkes, Vice Chair,
Mrs. Heather Poustie, Head teacher ex offcio, Mrs. Patricia Glover, Clerk;
Mrs. Caroline Boother; Ms Sherren Laybourn; Mr. Keith Stevens; Mr. Martin Unwin; Mrs. Theresa Weaver; Mr. William Cann; Mr. John Darch; Mr. Gary James; Mr. Chris Vile; Mrs. Jane White; Mrs. Judie Yung;.
The school values the contribution that governors provide to the school under the new Chairmanship of Peter Brotherton who took over from the very capable hands of Tony Clark at the end of the Summer Term. There is a vacancy for a ‘Parent Governor’ and those interested in finding out more about becoming a governor should please contact the Clerk or Chairman to discuss matters.

Advent quiet day
An ‘Advent Quiet Day’ has been organised to take place in the tranquil setting of the ancient Church House, South Tawton, on Friday, 8th December, from 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. A ‘bring and share’ lunch forms part of the day, drinks provided and anyone wishing to obtain further information are requested to please phone Rev. Michael Thayer on 01837 849048.

Community markets’ revival
While so many villages are losing their shops or those that do provide excellent services still cannot include an entire range of vegetables or meats etc. a group of enterprising farmers and smallholders have seized the initiative to form a community market that travels the region. Simple in concept and effective in operation the community market returns to Belstone Village Hall on Friday, 8th December, from 9.00a.m. – 1.00p.m. to bring a wide range of products to the very doorsteps of villagers and to an easily accessible venue for residents of other villages in the district. Direct sales to the public provide for market prices without the need for customers to travel far to find them. Reviving the ancient traditions of bringing their wares to rural communities the intention of those participating in the Community Market is to regularly bring market choices and prices to villages and with the popularity of the venture increasing in each village and area served this looks like an initiative that has value in it for everyone concerned.