Princetown NewsIncluding Merrivale, Two Bridges & Postbridge

Village news and what’s on, in and around Princetown, Postbridge and surrounding areas.

Autumn Issue 2012

www.princetownnews.co.uk

1904 - Bolts Store opposite the Duchy Hotel

www.milkandmore.co.ukor call Kevin Pickford on: 0781 303 4118

Let me fill the gap between big shops

We deliver in the Princetown area on:

MondayWednesday

FridayOrder before 9pm the night before for next day delivery.

Childrens Saturday Club 10am -1pm, (ring to book)

Open for Rides and lessonsWe offer Dartmoor trekking and Dartmoor

horse riding for riders of all ages and abilities.

Ladies ‘Own a Horse’ days and lunch. (Ring for details)

Tor Royal Stables, Princetown, PL20 6SL01822 890189 - 07892 910666

www.dartmoorhorseriding.co.ukinfo@dartmoorhorseriding.co.uk

Memory Lane

3

Ho Ho Ho Yes ….. It’s that time again, (lest you should forget!) Christmas is but a month away and I can’t believe it is three months since our last edition.

However, much has happened during this time and I am now working full time, which will not allow me to do quite so much in the Community as I would like; so please, please, if I forget something, forgive me and give me a reminder ….. Christmas Spirit and all that!

There have been so many fantastic events happening recently – there was the Chair dancing, the Firework evening which was organised and paid for by the Community Centre, the children performing with the Royal Ballet, the 3 day Christmas fayre at the school and so much more. I hope you have had time to relax and enjoy one or more of these.

What do we have to look forward to? Well, there’s the Carol Service at St Michael’s on Monday 10th December – this is always such a joyous occasion, so I hope you will all put on those warm winter woolies and bring your fine singing voices to the service, then feast on mince pies and cream (and perhaps a glass of mulled wine) afterwards. For those ladies and gentlemen of a certain age – the Christmas party on Saturday 8th December at Lord’s Café will be surely be an afternoon of festivities and full tummies. Such fun to hear our local Policemen in fine voice as the 3 wise men (providing they don’t have to answer the call of duty) of course!

My apologies to those kind people in the village that I upset when I said the Parish Council had paid for all the ice creams at the Jubilee party. I didn’t realize that Country Charm and the Fox Tor etc had all contributed so please accept my sincere apologies for the oversight.

The Princetown News has been offered the use of an extensive collection of photographs taken, in and around the village over many years and I hope to be able to start including some of these in the next edition. For those of you who have lived here for many years, there may not be any surprises, but it will be a fantastic insight to life here in years gone by for those of us who are new in the Community. We have such a wonderful community in Princetown and the surrounding areas, with great facilities which are crying out to be used. Not all of you would agree with me I am sure, but I have often found that those who complain are often the ones who do not participate, organise or assist with anything. I would urge you to find it in your heart to extend your friendship and give just a little time in our community. Let’s see if we can’t make this the best place on Earth to live this Christmas. A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you All…….. from myself & the team...

4

DIARY DATES - WINTER 2012/13

December 20125th (Wednesday) 4:30pm, Messy Church - United Church, Tor Royal10th - Carol Service at St Michaels Church14th (Friday) 2-3pm, pre-School Christmas Play - United Church, Tor Royal15th (Saturday) 7:00pm, Postbridge Rocks, Postbridge Village Hall18th (Tuesday) 7:30pm, Grand Christmas Whist Drive, Postbridge Village Hall18th (Tuesday) 2pm, Princetown Schools Christmas Play19th (Wednesday) 6:30pm, Princetown Schools Christmas Play20th (Thursday) Schools Out! - Last day of Term.23rd (Sunday) 11am, Carols - United Church, Tor Royal24th (Monday) 11:30pm, Christmas Eve Communion - United Church25th (Tuesday) 11am, Christmas Day Family Worship - United Church30th (Sunday) 10am, Service at Meavy Church

January 20137th (Thursday) Schools Back! - First day of Term.9th (Wednesday) 4:30pm, Messy Church - United Church, Tor Royal24th (Thursday) Postbridge Panto ‘Ali Baba’ Postbridge Village Hall25th (Friday) Postbridge Panto ‘Ali Baba’ Postbridge Village Hall26th (Saturday) Postbridge Panto ‘Ali Baba’ Postbridge Village Hall31st (Thursday) Postbridge Panto ‘Ali Baba’ Postbridge Village Hall

Febuary 20131st (Friday) Postbridge Panto ‘Ali Baba’ Postbridge Village Hall2nd (Saturday) Postbridge Panto ‘Ali Baba’ Postbridge Village HallSaturday 6th (Wednesday) 4:30pm, Messy Church - United Church, Tor Royal29th (Tuesday) Postbridge Panto Matinee ‘Ali Baba’ Postbridge Village Hall

Sorry but we don’t have enough room to add the regular monthly & weekly meetings & groups due to the amount of events this Christmas.

Can you find Santa?

and how many other Santas can you find?

West Devon Citizens Advice BureauTAVISTOCKKingdon House, North Street, TavistockPL19 0ANOpen Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10-2pm Drop in or ring 08444 111 444 during these hours.

OKEHAMPTONThe Ockment CentreNorth StreetOkehampton EX20 1AROpen Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10- 2pmDrop in or ring 08444 111 444 during these hours. Website: www.westdevoncab.org.uk

West Devon CAB also offers “Drop In” Outreach advice sessions at Bere Alston Surgery and Princetown Community Centre, every 3rd Wednesday of the month. For further information, or to make an appointment, ring 01837 52105. 5

Money is tight in our house and I’m already starting to worry about how we’re going to pay for Christmas this year. I don’t want to disappoint the kids but just can’t see how we’re going to do it. Any suggestions?

Christmas is a time of giving, but you don’t want to give yourself a New Year debt hangover with credit card bills and loans you can’t afford. Our top tips can help you stay out of the red and in control of your spending.:

Be realistic and budget accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person – and stick to it.

Remember that rent, the mortgage, utility bills, food bills and other existing debts still have to be paid – and the consequences can be severe if they’re not. Even though it’s Christmas, get your priorities right.

If you do need more money, don’t just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first – it will work out much more expensive.If you do need more and If you can afford to pay for your goods outright by cash, cheque, or debit card, don’t be persuaded to take out extended credit agreements unless they really do work out cheaper & Shop around for the best price. Buy what you want and not what other people say you need.

Whatever the deal, whatever the temptation, don’t buy from unauthorised traders and don’t borrow from unauthorised lenders.

Check for hidden extras in any credit agreement. Work out the total amount pay-able and ensure that the monthly instalments are within your budget before signing.

If you’ve borrowed money don’t forget that it won’t be long before you have to make a payment. Make sure you pay on time, even if it’s only the minimum, or you will be faced with additional charges. Put the payment dates in your diary.

For more information on managing your money and dealing with debt, visit www.westdevoncab.org.uk

Yeltv.co.uk G e t a c l e a r e r p i c t u r e

Email: enquiries@yeltv.co.uk

Tel: 01822 854386 Mob: 07725553804

Our local services will continue to provide: TV Rentals New maintenance contracts Aerial & Satellite installations Professional home equipment installations A range of televisions & white goods to order Sales of new equipment, spares and accessories Maintenance & Repairs on existing installations & equipment

The CherrybrookTwo Bridges, Dartmoor

Situated at the centre of the Dartmoor National Park, The Cherrybrook is a small family run hotel with a licensed restaurant and stable bar.

Ideal for that special family occasion. Sample our truly delicious home-made 3-course meals, featuring local produce at a cost of £25, including coffee & mints.

See our web site for full details:www.thecherrybrook.co.uk

Bookings essential - please call on 01822 880260

Comm News.indd 1 31/1/12 21:18:59

Fox Tor Cafe & BunkhouseGreat quality homemade food served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The cafe is fully licensed and we are

the only off licence in the village!We also offer bunkhouse accommodation, fully heated including the bathroom floors! Free Wifi available for all our customers

www.foxtorcafe.com 01822 890 238

Two Bridges Road, Princetown, Devon, PL20 6QS

JWPMBuilding Contractors

01822 616 43207727 222 740

jwillsonproperty@btinternet.com

We pride ourselves on high quality work at affordable prices. Most of our work is through referrals so this just shows that our continued dedication and passion to our trade makes us the no.1 choice of builder in the area.

6

Some Christmas Bird Drinks For You:

A Pint of BitternA Swift HalfA Real Quail, Nicely BroodHouse Martin-iA Large CocktailA Bird Weiser and to finish the day……..A Nightjar or two

Have a Great Christmasfrom Paul Stubbs

7

Improve Your Performance for 2013Want to perform at your best?

• Increase Energy• Improve Stamina• Become Stronger• Reduce Stress Levels• Improve Your Health• Increase Alertness• Look Younger• Feel Great

www.improveyourlife.co.ukVisit our website and receive a FREE Booklet ‘The Shocking Truth About Our Food!”

8

My twin sister and I lived in Princetown from about 1949 until 1955 as our father was a Prison Officer. In those days, on joining the Prison Service, it was a condition of the job that you served either five years at Dartmoor, or five years at Parkhurst on

the Isle of Wight as no-one wanted to “volunteer” for these postings.

You have to bear in mind that there were virtually no cars to travel in and out of the village and therefore one had to make the best of things, with the harsh winters

and the lack of facilities.

The village was predominantly made up of Prison Officers and their families in those days but they were happy times and we made good friends. We had the train for trips to the dentist, or to do other than essential day to day shopping, but mainly we used the local shops and I can remember “Top Finches” and “Bottom Finches” - both

shops owned by the Finch family - one at the top of the village and one at the bottom. I can also remember Miss Bolt’s shop. We used to go to Sunday School at St. Michaels and All Angels. This was taken by Mrs. Leslie Lloyd-Rees, and we are

still in touch with the Rev. Leslie Lloyd-Rees who became a family friend.

We started school the term after we were five, so would have joined the school in January 1953. The Headmaster was Mr. Deacon and our first teacher was Miss Allen. The toilets in those days were outside in the playground and were often frozen in the winter months so therefore the school would be closed. Often we would battle across the cricket field up to our knees in snow, only to find a blackboard notice outside the school to say that there would be no school that day. Ponies and sheep roamed the village as there were no cattle grids in place and I can remember my sister coming out of the shop one summer with an ice-cream cone, which very quickly disappeared, having been stolen by a passing Dartmoor pony. Our father was most annoyed at having planted up his new garden with vegetables etc. to find one morning that a flock of sheep had demolished all his hard work overnight. He never had much

passion for gardening from that day onwards!

We lived in Blackabrook Avenue, but had to wait until the houses were finished, and spent a few months living in the Devonshire flats, which were very bleak and not very child-friendly. The winters were very hard and I can remember the village being cut off by snow-drifts for several days. Often my mother used to carry the washing in

from the line with the shirts and sheets etc. as stiff as a board.

Whilst my sister and I have been back to Princetown independently a couple of times in the last sixty years, we recently spent a few days together at the Oratory, and had a lovely time exploring the village and discovering things we remembered with much fondness. We were lucky enough to be invited into the school and it was so refreshing

to find it so relatively unchanged - apart from the computer room - we had slates and chalk for OUR schoolwork!!!!!

I think Princetown will always have a special place in my heart and it was so nice to

re-visit our childhood home. Even the Dartmoor mist came down to greet us! Best wishes, Mrs. Jenny Nisbett (nee Legg)

A letter Looking Back!Having found your website only recently, I thought that I would write to you

regarding our recent visit to Princetown.

9

A Fun Filled Day at PrincetownChair Dance

Dartmoor Martial Art Studio

Classes on Mondays & ThursdaysCall for deatils: 07545 703 048

Come and visit us at Princetown’s very own Fully Equipped & Matted Studio

• Fully Insured• Fully Licenced • Enhanced CRB Checked• OFSTED Regulation Paediatric First Aid Qualified• Child Abuse & Behaviour Awareness Certificates.

Please contact: 07545 703 048The Studio, Unit 3, Duchy Yard,

(next to the brewery) in Princetown.

PLYMOUTH & TAVISTOCK’S PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP

VACUUM & BRUSH ALL SOLID FUEL SYSTEMS CLEANED FIREPLACE REPAIRS DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS

SPOTLESS, CLEAN & EFFICIENT

PLYMOUTH 01752 342083 TAVISTOCK 01822 852525 MOBILE 07860 830362

MAC VAC

All Work Certified &

Insured

Duchy HouseBed & Breakfast

Tavistock Road, Princetown PL20 6QF01822 890 552

Email: admin@duchyhouse.co.uk Outstanding accommodation in the heart of Dartmoor

Large Private Car Park

‘Which?’ Recommended B&B

www.duchyhouse.co.uk

En-Suite Double £70Single Occupancy £45

Single Room £30

Twin/Double £60Single Occupancy £40

Dartmoor FinancialIndependent Mortgage Advice you can trust

At Dartmoor Financial we offer mortgage advice from the whole of the market. As Independent Advisers we have

access to the best deals, allowing us to recommend the most competitive products available.

Whether you’re a First Time Buyer, Home Mover, looking for a Remortgage or Buy to Let mortgage,

we can help you every step of the way.

Call us now on01822 890 769

Mobile: 07789 933806 email: enquiries@dartmoorfinancial.co.ukThere may be a fee dependent on your circumstances typically

£300. As independent advisers, you can choose to pay our total fees yourself and we will pass on to you any commission we receive.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE

11

Princetown United Church (Tor Royal Lane PL20 6QT)

All are welcome at our simple and relaxed church services held each Sunday from 11am to noon (except 30th December when we join other west Dartmoor parishes at 10am at Meavy church).

We welcome new ministers John Swanston (Methodist), Andy Barton & Gary Shirley (Church of England) to the team serving our local area.

Do join our Christmas celebrations – Sunday 23rd December 11am with carols, Monday 24th 11.30pm Christmas Eve communion, Tuesday 25th 11am Christmas Day family worship.

Any changes to the programme will be posted on the church noticeboard or Princetown News website.

Messy Church (4.30pm to 6pm one Wednesday each month) combines crafts, songs and stories for all ages, ending with a light meal.

Winter / spring dates are: December 5th (with Christingles), January 9th, February 6th and March 6th.

All welcome: children under 16 must come with an adult.

For more news and photos see the Princetown pages of www.westdartmoorbenefice.co.uk

 

12

Continued...

From Princetown Primary School

14www.princetownnews.co.uk

For more news, events & information about all or any of the groups and organisations in and around Princetown & Postbridge visit:

We have had a really super autumn term with some great highlights. In November the children in the Buzzard class had a fantastic experience. They worked with Freddie a dancer from the Royal ballet... wow what a memorable afternoon they had.

Earlier in the term the Kestrel class went to Tintagel Castle as part of their topic on King Arthur. They have really enjoyed learning about the Saxon times and had a ‘come to school as a Saxon’ day when Ursula a Saxon woman came to visit!

The children in Owls are making really good progress and are great fun to be with. We are all really looking forward to our Christmas play.

The matinee performance is Tuesday 18th December at 2pm and the evening performance is Wednesday 19th December at 6.30pm.

The children finish school on Thursday 20th December and return to school on Monday 7th January 2013.

The Buzzard class have got a writing workshop to look forward to in January with a writer in Residence at the Plymouth Museum.

News from Princetown Community Primary School

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Fantastic New Year !

From all the Staff, Governors and Childrenfrom Princetown Primary School

Notice Board

15

Postbridge Whist DrivesWhist Drives are held at

the Postbridge Village Hall Learners are especially welcome.Entrance fee is £2.50 and includes

refreshments and prizes.For more information telephone

Helen on 01822 880218.Whist Drives Dates:

(Every other Tusday @ 7:30pm)

11th December8th January5th February19th February

5th March19th March

The Grand ChristmasWhist Drives

18th December - 7;30pm£3 Entrance

*Postbridge Christmas Panto*PHYLS FOLLIES PRESENTS

‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ Pantomime Full of Mayhem and Magic!

Directed by Roger Whale

Evening Performances: January – Thurs 24th, Fri 25thSat 26th & Thurs 31stFebruary - Fri 1st & Sat 2ndMATINEE: JANUARY, TUE 29th

Held at Postbridge Village Hall Tickets Available From The Village Shop

Box Office: Postbridge Village Store: 01822 880201 (Opens 1st Dec).Prices are £6 adults & £3 children, call for times - all profits go to support Moorland Charity’s and services, in the last five years we have given in excess of £5,000 to these causes in the last five years. We are always looking for new members and there are still

some chorus places for this coming production, which is a great place to start.

PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB

Why not come along to one of the following talks at the Community Centre on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm to discover the moor and surrounding area.

Further information from Roger Paul tel 01647 231080

3rd December: The Amazing Archaeology of the Cramber Tor Training Area. Tom Greeves

8th January: Two Routes to Tavistock. Bernard Mills

5th February: The Life of Beatrice Chase. Simon Dell

5th March: Murder on the Racecourse. Jill Drysdale

In the event of inclement weather please telephone Arthur Smith – 01822-890496

President: Mr. Dave GermanChairman: Roger Paul Tel: 01647 231080 Vice Chairman: Dr. Tom GreevesSecretary: Mr. John Lissenden Tel: 01752 847573Treasurer: Mr.John Walling Tel: 01626 353206

16

Princetown Pre-School would like to thank all of the families and children that have

supported us throughout 2012!This year, has seen us grow and extend our setting in many ways….we’ve upgraded

our garden flooring, and are delighted to be open from 9-5pm daily, including a holiday club and after-school club service for children aged between 2-8 years.

We plan to re-launch a breakfast club service during 2013, along with an Open Day in January, where we invite all families to celebrate our plans for

growth during coming year.

We are busy preparing for our Nativity Play at the moment, rehearsing Christmas songs and making arts and crafts, to decorate our play room before

our exciting visit from Santa Claus.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year,

from Princetown Pre-School.

17

Moor Trees Biodiversity Project at HMP Dartmoor.

Paul Hammett - November 2012

Work continues apace at Dartmoor prison with the Victorian reservoir fully restored and the woodland partly re-planted with plenty of insect habitat piles amongst the trees. Forty five bird nesting boxes of various types made by the prisoners have been positioned and the pathways have been laid. We are planning to extend our work here onto the hillside and have been talking to both the National Park and the Duchy of Cornwall regarding this potentially landscape changing project.By early next year we will have planted a further 1,000 broad-leafed trees all of which have been grown in the nurseries both inside and outside the prison. During the summer an extensive bat survey was conducted on the prison estate and five species of bats were identified. Restoration work to the walls adjacent to the reservoir will continue throughout the winter when the Princetown weather permits.The project continues to be ‘win-win’ situation for all those concerned. The prison has had its estate improved at nil cost, prisoners have had training and gained qualifications in a variety of land based skills which will hopefully enhance their opportunities for employment on release, and of course the local area has been improved for the benefit of the Princetown community.

PRINCETOWN LIBRARY

PRINCETOWN RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP The Group meets on the first Thursday of each month throughout the year. During the winter months we also invite a Guest Speaker to address the meeting on a variety of interesting subjects, each usually complimented by a photographic slide-show.

Forthcoming Talks, Guest Speakers & Events:- Thursday 6th December - Mo Harris, Talking on her experiences with Barnardos

* THURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER CHRISTMAS LUNCH & PARTY*Entertainment provided by Geoff Lakeman. Booking essential, Contact Mike

Thursday 3rd Jan 2013 - Dave Young. Talking about ‘the Life & Times of Robbie Burns’*THURSDAY 25th JAN - BURNS NIGHT*. Booking essential, Contact Mike

Thursday 7th Feb Tom Savery. Talking about ‘The Jobbers Route’

For bookings or for more information please call Mike on: 890 799We meet at 12.30pm on the first Thursday of each month in the Restaurant of the Prince of Wales, Tavistock Road, Princetown.

If you are retired, do come along. You will be assured of a warm welcome. 18

PRINCETOWN CREDIT UNIONThe Princetown Service Point is located in the Community Centre. It is open once a week on Wednesday mornings between 11.00am

and 1.00pm. Come along to find out more, you don’t need an appointment, just turn up.

NEW! Our Visa Pre-Paid card is now available. You can use it on-line at major high street retailers and pay bills. Makes budgeting easy as you can only spend what you have on the card!

Take a Book Out This Christmas FromThe Princetown Library, located at the Community Centre.

It is open three days a week, Monday 2pm - 4pm,Wednesday & Saturday from 10.00am - 12:00pm

Tel: 01822 890 370Book Club meets on the last Satuarday of every month,

10:30am - 11:30am

Tavistock Area Children’s Centre

FREE sessions for families

with children Under 5.

EVERY TUESDAY

Drop-In at the ‘Small Hall’

at the Community

Centre 10.30-12.00

19

There are craft activities, toys, games and a snack for the children, tea or coffee for the adults.

On the 4th Tuesday of each month the Health Visitors will be at sessions available to weigh & measure your babies and toddlers.

‘Bounce & Rhyme’ at the Princetown Library call the Library for more details (01822 890 370)Why not visit the library anyway on Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays to borrow & read a book.

You do not need to be a member of the Children’s Centre to attend our sessions, look out for new Princetown sessions in the Autumn.

Why not pop into one of our sessions. For more information about the Children’s Centre or any of our services call the office on 01822-614210, or e-mail tavistockchildrenscentre@barnardos.org.uk.

 

Some of the group on board the Dart Princess cruising down the River Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth. Although the day was a bit chilly, at least the rain stayed away. The commentator on board was very informative and was a born comic who kept us in fits of laughter for the whole cruise. Part of the group enjoying a very fulfilling dinner at the Travellers Rest, Whitestone. The day had started with Breakfast at the Dartmoor Inn, Lydford, followed by a light lunch at the George and Dragon, nr Topsham. Everyone had plenty to eat and one or two glasses to wash it all down.. Very satisfying!

DARTMOOR GARDEN MACHINERY

Repairs, Servicing and Sales

For all your lawnmower and garden equipment needs

01822 890 87007810 176 186

Princetown (Next to the Fire Station)

Young Spirit

High Hopes

Spirit of Adventure, your local activity providers, based

right in the heart of Dartmoor National Park

Activity & Adventure Specialists01822 880277martin@spirit-of-adventure.comwww.spirit-of-adventure.com

Powder MillsBunkhouse

Young Spirit

Darmoor FamilyWeek

W W W . S P I R I T - O F - A D V E N T U R E . C O M

Young SpiritNational ParkNational Park

Young Spirit

Courses

Adventure

Water skills

VentanasWindow Cleaning Services

Fascia, Gutter and PVC Cleaning

Tel 01752 789954 Mob 07966 483059

An established business, we have catered for Princetown

and surrounding areas for over a decade. We provide a

regular and reliable service throughout the year. We also

take on one-off gutter, fascia and PVC cleaning jobs. Call

Rob and Frazer to receive a free quotation today!

!

!

!

!"#$%&'()&*$+,+$'-.$!"#$+##/"#0$1#23$4'(#&5-6$

7)8#2*$19'/5):0$+,+$'-.$1;4$$5-$<&5-/#()=-$("#$"#'&($)3$>'&(?))&@$$

"#$%&'!#()!*+,!"-%.()&'/!!

<:A0$'-.$4'3#0$'$0")&($='2B$'='*$

01.!21#3.&!4((.56!*+78&.!-++$9!#()!#!:;+!8.)-++$!9.&<!=+(:#%(.)!3-+3.-:'!!

01.!=1+%=.!%9!'+7-9/!!

C:#0($4)??#-($D9&52$EE$

!#2F$GEHII$HJGIKL$

!

!

===@("#)&'()&*.'&(?))&@/)@:B!$

,

.

Morris Bros. (Tavistock) Ltd

Independent Funeral Directors est. 1870Five generations of care in the community.

01822 612 023

www.morrisbros.co.ukLakeside, Tavistock, PL19 OAZ

24 hour service, Private Chapel of Rest

Romantic bed and breakfast Royal Suite of rooms available for special occasions,

Wedding, Anniversary, Family Celebration, Meeting or Funeral Gathering

01822 890189www.torroyal.co.uk

22

A Very Successful Food & Drink Festival in Postbridge by the Meat Dartmoor Team

For more information visit: www.meatdartmoor.co.uk

SUCCESS MEaNS GETTING INvOLvEDOne day a man was walking home from work. It was FREEZING! As he hung his head to shelter it from the cold he saw an old wallet someone had lost in the street. He picked it up and, as we would all probably do, he looked inside to see if he could find some identification so he could call the owner. But the old wallet contained only three one dollar bills and an old, old crumpled up letter that looked like it had been in there for years.

The old yellowed envelope was really worn out ... and the only thing that was legible on it was the return address. So, he opened the letter, hoping to find some sort of clue. Then he saw the date on it ... 1924. The old letter had been written over sixty years ago. It was written in a beautiful feminine handwriting on powder blue stationery with a little flower in the top left-hand corner.

It was a “Dear John” letter. The letter told the recipient, whose name looked like Michael that she could not see him anymore because her mother had absolutely forbidden it. No matter what she wrote ... she would always, always love him and she simply signed it, Hanna.

The man who found it was touched by the simple beauty of the letter, but there was no way in the world except for the name Michael, that the owner could be identified. He thought ... maybe if he called information, the operator could find a phone listing for the address on the envelope.

So he called her and said, “Operator, I know this is an unusual request. I’m trying to find the owner of a wallet that I found. Is there any way you can tell me if there is a phone number for an address that was on an envelope in the wallet?”

She suggested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment then said, “Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can’t give you the number.” She said, as a courtesy, she would call that number, explain my story and would ask them if they wanted her to connect me.

So he waited a few minutes and then the supervisor came back on the line. She said “I have a party who will speak with you.”

This was getting exciting now. He asked the woman on the other end of the line if she knew anyone by the name of Hanna. The lady replied, “Oh! We bought this house from a family who had a daughter named Hanna. But that was 30 years ago!”

He asked her if she knew where that family was now.”

She said that Hanna had to place her mother in a nursing home years and years ago, but she suggested that if he got in touch with them they might be able to track down the daughter. So, she gave me the name of the nursing home and he called the number.

He found out that the mother passed away some years before, but they still did have a phone number for where they thought the daughter might be living. So he tried that number. The woman who answered explained that Hanna herself was now living in a nursing home. So, the chase continued.

He started to feel kind of silly by now. He wondered why he was making such a big deal over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three dollars and a letter that was almost 60 years old. But he kept on plowing. Something was compelling him. He called the nursing home where Hanna was supposed to be living

So he thanked the guard and quickly ran back to the nurse’s office. He told her what the guard had said. He went back to the elevator and got in, praying that Mr. Goldstein would still be up. On the eighth floor, the floor nurse said, “I think he’s still in the day room. He likes to read at night. He’s a darling old man.” We went to the only room that had any lights on and there was a man reading a book.

The nurse went over to him and asked if he had lost his wallet. Mr. Goldstein looked up with surprise, put his hand in his back pocket and said, “Oh, it is missing!”

This nice man found a wallet and we wondered if it could be yours?” I handed Mr. Goldstein the wallet and the second he saw it, he smiled with relief and said, “Yes, that’s it! It must have dropped out of my pocket this afternoon. I want to give you a reward.”

“No, thank you,” I said. “But I have to tell you something. I read the letter in the hope of finding out who owned the wallet.”

The smile on his face suddenly disappeared. “You read that letter?”

“Not only did I read it, I think I know where Hannah is.” Mr. Goldstine suddenly grew pale.

“Hanna? You know where she is? How is she? Is she still as pretty as she was? Please, please tell me.” he begged.

“She’s fine...just as pretty as when you knew her.” I said softly. The old man smiled with anticipation and asked, “Could you tell me where she is? I want to call her tomorrow.” He grabbed my hand and said, “You know something, mister, I was so in love with that girl that when that letter came, my life literally ended. I never married. I guess I’ve always loved her.”

“Mr. Goldstein,” He said, “Come with me.” We took the elevator down to the third floor. The hallways were darkened and only one or two little night-lights lit our way to the day room where Hanna was sitting alone watching the television. The nurse walked over to her. “Hanna,” she said softly, pointing to Michael, who was waiting with me in the doorway. “Do you know this man?” She adjusted her glasses, looked for a moment, but didn’t say a word. Michael said softly, almost in a whisper, “Hanna, it is Michael. Do you remember me?”

She gasped, “Michael! I don’t believe it! Michael! It’s you! My Michael!” He walked slowly towards her and they embraced. The nurse and the man who found the wallet left with tears streaming down our faces.

24

and the man who answered the phone told him that, “Yes, Hanna was staying there.”

Even though it was already 10 p.m., He asked if he could come by to see her. “Well it’s up to you... if you want to take a chance, she might still be in the day room watching television.”

So ... he thanked him and drove over to the nursing home. The nurse on duty and a security guard greeted him at the door. They all went up to the third floor and they did find Hanna in the day room.

Now Hanna was a sweet, silver-haired lady who still had a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. He told her about finding the wallet and showed her the letter.

The second she saw the powder blue envelope with that little flower on the left, Hanna took a deep breath and said, “Young man, this letter was the last contact I ever had with Michael.” She looked away for a moment as tears came to her eyes ...and then she said softly, “I loved him very much.

But I was only 16 at the time and my mother felt I was too young. He was so handsome.” Michael Goldstein was a wonderful person. If you should find him, tell him I think of him often. And…” she hesitated for a moment, almost biting her lip, “tell him I still love him.” She said smiling as tears began to well up in her eyes, “I never did marry. I guess no one ever matched up to Michael...”

So the man thanked Hanna and said goodbye. He took the elevator to the first floor and as he stood by the door, the guard there asked, “Was the old lady able to help you?” He told him she had given him a lead. “At least I have a last name now. But I think I’ll let it go for a while. I spent almost the whole day trying to find the owner of this wallet.

He took out the wallet, which was a simple brown leather case with red lacing on the side. When the guard saw it, he said, “Hey, wait a minute! That’s Mr. Goldstein’s wallet. I’d know it anywhere with that right red lacing. He’s always losing that wallet. I must have found it in the halls at least three times.”

“Who’s Mr. Goldstein?” He asked as his hand began to shake. “He’s one of the old timers on the 8th floor. That’s Mike Goldstein’s wallet for sure. He must have lost it on one of his walks.”

Another partial excerpt from Gary Eby’s best selling book ‘Left Handed Soldier’

25

Yelverton Rotary ClubIf you find yourself in The Prince of Wales pub, Princetown, on Wednesday evenings between 7-00 and

7-30 you may wonder why you can’t get near the bar. The reason is the members of the Yelverton Rotary Club are enjoying their pre-dinner drinks.

The club meets every Wednesday where they, over a meal, engage in lively conversation. Also under discussion is likely to be the disbursement of funds in support of local charities and projects which impact further afield. Of the latter, helping to finance Shelter Box, supporting the programme to eradicate Polio throughout the world and providing a clean-water well in India are typical examples. Special interest talks are also given by invited speakers. These help to inform, educate and, sometimes entertain the club members.

Of particular interest are those talks given on local issues.

Helping the local community is close to the heart of the club. Funds were provided to help with the purchase of Diamond-Jubilee mugs for local children and help given to finance extra-curricular activities for the children of Princetown Primary School. Each spring a tea party is given for the senior citizens of the area. The club

also operates the Memory Café which meets fortnightly in Yelverton.

Funds are raised through a number of activities: car-boot sales; social evenings; Christmas collections when the club brings Father Christmas to the children of the area. These Christmas collections are the club’s main

fund raiser and the club is grateful for the generosity of the community in supporting its activities.

Yelverton Rotary Club is a relatively small club – 25 members, of which 16% are ladies. We are always looking for people to join us. People who wish to serve the community in the true spirit of the Rotary movement, whose motto is “ Service Above Self “. So, if you are looking to serve in this way, whilst, at the same time, enjoying fun and fellowship, why not join us. You can approach any Rotarian who you may know or phone

our Membership Secretary Sandra Dineley-Jones on 01822 616414 or 07979505723 who will be happy to give you more details.

Yelverton Memory CaféYelverton Memory Café was formed and is operated by Yelverton Rotary Club. The Memory Cafe offers a friendly and relaxed environment in which dementia sufferers, and their carers, can interact and share experiences as well as enjoy each other’s company. Each session is two hours long and is offered fortnightly.

Over tea and cake visitors, volunteers and Rotary Club members engage in conversation covering a wide range of subjects. Whilst short-term memory is often difficult, longer-term recollections pose no problem with dementia sufferers often revealing an interesting and varied past which can reach back to their youth and schooldays. Activities include quizzes, music and guest talks on subjects such as sculpture, art and science - the varied backgrounds and experiences of Rotary members provides a good source of speakers.

“Memory boxes” are used. These are boxes containing items from the past, such as petrol coupons, ration books, advertising clippings etc. Items such as these can spark off memories and elicit experiences which

help lift the mists of dementia – albeit for a brief period.

Contrary to popular belief, dementia is not the sole preserve of older folk – people in their forties and fifties are often afflicted. Memory Cafes, in some small but important way, offer support and encouragement to these people. The carers, who are often spouses, also benefit as they talk to others facing the challenges of caring for a wife or husband whose behavior is gradually changing. A telling acclamation of the benefit of Memory Cafes is the comment one carer made after attending - “it helps me get my husband back for a day or two”. People with Dementia-related problems, along with their carers, are always welcome – so too are

volunteers to be involved with our sessions.

We meet every fortnight, Friday’s from 2-00pm to 4-00pm in St. Paul’s Church Hall, Yelverton. For more information call either Terry Donnelly on 01822 613145 or Pam Law on 01822 890620

26

PRINCETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHWISHES YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

& CRIME FREE NEW YEAR26

East Dart Hotel19th Century Coaching Inn

Open 7 Days a WeekBar open all day 11am to 11pm

Food available from 11am to 9pm

DON’T FORGET !Our wonderful Sunday Carvery

Served from 12pm Noon

• Function room available free of charge for special occasions or

meetings.• Suntrap Beer Garden perfect for

those sunny afternoons.• Large paddock perfect for

private parties.• Sunday Carvery

Tel: 01822 880 213

(Postbridge)

Please click ‘Like’ on our East Dart Facebook page for a FREE Pint on your next visit, or visit www.theeastdarthotel.co.uk to find out about future events including our

second legendary BEER FESTIVAL.

Local New Chef New Daily Specials

Paul & Rosie are looking forward to chatting with you over a drink or meal.

FEEL & LOOKGREAT FOR

2013Lose Weight OVER CHRISTMASSafely and for Good!& Still Eat The Foods You Love!

Visit our website and receive a FREE Booklet

‘The Shocking Truth About Our Food!”

Come & Join Our FREE Parties Here in Princetown

www.improveyourlife.co.uk

Useful Local NumbersLocal Directory

Local Police Stations:(Inc Dartmoor Search and Rescue)Doctors Princetown:Local Parish Council:Dartmoor Park Authority:Dartmoor Tourist Assoc:Postbridge Info Centre:Princetown Info Centre:Princetown Library:Citizens Advice Bureau:Princetown School:Widecombe School:Princetown Pre-School:T/Area Children’s Centre:Tavistock College:Princetown Post Office: Postbridge Post Office:Crime-stoppers:Environmental Crime:Anti-Social Behaviour:(DLPS) Animal Welfare:D/moor Prison Museum:Postbridge Village Hall:

Business Directory

Cherrybrook B&B: 01822 880 260

Dartmoor Financial: 01822 890 769

Dartmoor Garden Machinery: 01822 890 870

Design & Print: 07545 703 048

Duchy House B&B: 01822 890 552

East Dart Hotel: 01822 880 213

Fox Tor Cafe: 01822 890 238

JWPM Builders: 01822 616 432

Martial Art Studio: 07545 703 048

Milkman: 07813 034 118

Morris Bros: 01822 612 023

Oratory B&B: 01822 890 273

Spirit of Adventure: 01822 880 277

Tor Royal B&B/Stables 01822 890 189

Window Cleaner: 07966 483 059

Yeltv.co.uk: 01822 584 386

www.princetownnews.co.ukPrincetown News For Enquiries please email: info@princetownnews.co.ukFor Articles & News, email: editor@princetownnews.co.uk(You may post or drop your articles into: The Studio, Unit 3, Duchy Yard, Princetown, Devon, PL20 6QZ) For Advertising & Notice Board, email: ads@princetownnews.co.uk or call: 07545 703 048

Deadline Dates for Spring 2013 Issue:Next issue will be for March, April & May 2013. All Articles, News and Ads MUST BE IN BY Friday 1st Feb 2013

© Copyright Princetown News - Printed: 07545 703 048

08452 777 444

01822 852 20201822 853 51301626 836 01501752 897 03501822 612 93801822 890 41401822 890 37008444 111 44401822 890 24501364 621 26101822 890 34801822 614 21001822 614 23101822 890 21201822 880 2010800 555 11101822 813 60001822 813 54101626 872 25301822 322 13001822 880 386

Winter 2012