Snippets from the Classroom and Beyond
W51
September 2006
September
is normally the month that I do a bit more “villagey?”
stuff. With the school holidays in mid flow there isn’t much to report on from
the school. I’ll start off by inserting an old photograph I took of our village
church. Last month we saw the church from the north east corner of the
churchyard by the garden dedicated to Nancy Butterworth. This photograph is
taken from the more normal viewpoint of the south east corner of the
churchyard. From whatever viewpoint, I think our church looks smashing
especially when you think about how long it has been standing there (the font
is Norman!)
I
was surprised at the displays at the Village Show. I thought that the very dry
weather we’ve been having until the last few days would have put the kybosh on
the gardens and vegetable patches locally, but no, against the odds, our
intrepid gardeners had worked miracles. The displays of home made produce were
mouth-wateringly good as well. I will never get over the wealth of talent there
is around us and the crafts shown were an indication of that wealth. Well done
to all involved with the Show and a special well done to the cup winners.
Further
afield, the Dartmoor Folk Festival at South Zeal has
been and gone. I would urge anyone with a musical bent to spend at least an
afternoon or evening at the festival next year. It is well worth it and ,again, the talent displayed is extraordinary.
Similarly, that great
local rural event, The Chagford Show, has been and
gone. I thought the weather was going to create a washout, but the long dry
periods made up for the occasional showers. It’s always good to catch up with
friends and dig out the latest gossip. I feel a little bit guilty about nobbling all those I know and encouraging them to give to
the RNLI at our stand. Sorry all.
What
on earth is a photo of a steam engine doing in Snippets? Well, it’s a picture
of “Tangmere” passing through Yeoford
station on its way up to Okehampton. What has this
got to do with us? Yeoford is our nearest railway
station and the Dartmoor Railway hope to have a service up and running between Yeoford and Okehampton by
2007/2008. As you can see, there is a lot of work to do on the old island
platform! They (DR) are always looking for volunteers to help up at Okehampton and Meldon.
The
Dartmoor Railway might be classified as an activity – which brings me neatly on
to my next topic. Village Activities. On the evening
of 9th September, there is a “Know Your Village” gathering in the
Village Hall. Come and find out
what is available in the
village that might interest you, be it embroidery to folk singing, or jam
making to wood turning. I hope that all those who organise such groups have booked
tables to show their hobbies/pastimes to the rest of us! Don’t forget, “Know
Your Village”, 1900, 9th September. Come along.
There
has been a very useful transport development recently. The observant ones
amongst you will have noticed a much-improved bus service. We now have more
frequent access to
Now,
I mustn’t forget the school. Firstly, I hope all those who left us at the end
of last term settle in quickly and without mishap to their new schools. Good
Luck to them. Secondly, welcome to the new entrants. And thirdly, I hope all
the children will return on 5th September refreshed and ready to
face the new term with zeal, energy and fun
The
calendar:-
5th
September – Autumn Term Begins
23rd
October–27th October - Half Term
15th
December – Autumn Term Ends
PGR