Dartmoor is not a barren wilderness, the landscape has been touched all over by man, as Simon Dell described to appreciative Bude and Stratton U3A members at their January monthly meeting. As a former member of the Dartmoor Rescue Group and guiding on Dartmoor for over 30 years, giving talks to schools and writing on the subject, Simon is better acquainted than most with his topic, the archaeology of Dartmoor.

The 368 square miles of the National Park include temperate rain forest, moors, tors, morasses, industrial landscapes, sheep, cattle, and feral ponies hefted to the land. Ruined buildings and rock formations are surrounded by folklore, and until Victorian times many naturally weathered formations were considered to be man-made. Simon described the types of archaeological features to be found, illustrated with photographs and anecdotes from his guiding trips. Archaeological recording began on Dartmoor in 1880 with the Dartmoor Exploration Committee led by the Rev Sabine Baring-Gould.

Clapper bridges, with large slabs of rock bridging supports in the stream, were built in medieval times to enable packhorses to cross safely, with a well-known example at Postbridge. Two Bridges now has two stone road bridges, but the place was named much earlier for two clapper bridges upstream. One was restored by the Dartmoor Preservation Committee in 1890 after a flood, and the other has disappeared.

There are over a hundred stone rows on Dartmoor, some of them double as at Hurston Ridge and some triple, as at Cosdon Beacon. The row is known locally as the cemetery. Burial chambers are often found along stone rows. The purpose of the rows is not known, but Simon believes that some could have been used to give neolithic farmers a calendar, as different stones were lit up at different times of the year as the sun’s height in the sky varied. He has found that dowsing rods work on stone rows.

There are hut circles scattered all over Dartmoor, now – to Simon’s irritation – more correctly referred to as round houses. The largest group of 27 sits within a walled enclosure at Grimspound. The Dartmoor Exploration Committee excavated and restored some of them, giving them porches which would not have been original features. The houses would have had granite walls about a metre high, with an entrance facing south east to catch the sun early in the day, with a thatched roof without a chimney supported by rafters and posts. Some replicas have been built, and when a fire is lit inside the smoke disappears into the thatch leaving the air clear underneath.

Many kistavanes, now also renamed as burial chambers, were excavated and recorded by the Victorians, notably at Lakehead Hill with many bronze age artefacts found. Discoveries are still being made. In the 1990s a granite box was discovered on Whitehorse Hill and as it was not possible to preserve it in situ it was removed and opened. Amazingly the contents, including cremated human remains, had been well preserved.

Stone circles are numerous, but more are still being discovered, one due to turf discolourations over the fallen stones during the 1976 drought. Yellowmead stone circle is formed of four concentric rings. There are also reeves, neolithic boundary markers, many standing stones or menhirs, some marked many centuries later to indicate the Ashburton – Tavistock route.

More modern indications of human activity include Tudor mortar stones onto which gravel was hammered to release tin ore particles, and beehive huts in which tin miners could not only store their tools but also shelter during black powder detonations. The Templer tramway was built of huge granite slabs to take quarried stone from Haytor to the canal for onward transportation. Simon’s photographs showed how the blocks were cut using the tare and feather method. A skilled worker would tap the tares in a line along the block and know when it was ready to split by the changing tone.

Even more recent were the 20th century marker posts once required to surround scheduled monuments, now mostly disappeared with very few remaining to commemorate the change in practice. A different event was commemorated by a Dartmoor landowner who was so pleased that the revision of the Book of Common Prayer failed to be approved by Parliament in 1927 and 1928 that he had the Ten Commandments carved into two stones on Buckland Beacon.

Modern advances provide information which was not accessible to the Victorian excavators. The examination of soil underneath ancient stones can provide more precise dating, and DNA studies show that the hill ponies currently roaming the moor are the direct descendants of those doing so four thousand years ago. The use of metal detectors in the National Park is not permitted.

The talk ended to interested questions from the audience and appreciative applause.

Other Bude U3A news: the next Open meeting is on February 20th, when Rosemary Lee will talk about the Silk Road in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, everyone is welcome. Full details of groups and activities are available at www.budeu3a.co.uk.

Pastor Albert Sloman of Kilkhampton led the service at Morwenstow Methodist Chapel at Shop on Sunday 19th.

Colin Tape was the organist for the following hymns: ‘Jesus the name high over all’, ‘Come down O love divine’, ‘The Lord's my Shepherd’ and ‘To God be the glory’.

The lesson was read by Ken Boundy.

The Merrytones Praise Group sang: 'Follow On'.

The service was followed by coffee and a chance to chat in The Wesley Room.

The Circle held their annual general meeting on January 17.

Chairman Ivor Davy opened the meeting saying how he had enjoyed his first year as chairman. After welcoming members to the meeting he then gave a report on the activities of the Circle over the past year thanking Roger Webster for again arranging a very interesting and varied programme of indoor meetings as well as the summer outings. A financial report was given by the treasurer Roger Webster. As the president John Clifton was unable to attend due to ill health, David Pike was asked by the chairman to conduct the election of officers and committee.

Results were chairman Ivor Davy, vice chairman Stefan Gronkowski, secretary Sheena Davy, treasurer and programme secretary Roger Webster, membership secretary Peter Jones, ACE Editor, archivist and publicity Andrew Bird, general committee member Geoff Chegwidden.

After much discussion regarding what future costs might be incurred by the Circle it was decide to leave the annual subscription at £15 as income had had held up well against costs in the last year. The meeting closed at 8.15pm. Unfortunately the planned speaker for after the break was unable to attend due to ill heath. Therefore a video was enjoyed by the members. The next meeting is on Friday, February 21, when Matt Barnes who is Head of Strategic Service Development at Great Western Railway, will give a presentation: “Reopening the Dartmoor Line”.

Probus Club of Lanson members had their first 2025 meeting, their AGM, on Monday 13th. January

Our 2024 chairman led a remembrance of members who had passed away, all of whom had been enthusiastic members and will be greatly missed.

He then commented that we had fulfilled our stated roles of providing a relaxed and entertaining club,

with a full timetable of interesting speakers and a farm visit. Several new members joined the club during the year. He was thanked by members for the time and effort he had put into making things run smoothly. Partners attended a number of meetings.

We had a Ladies’ branch in the past, and members expressed an interest in reforming this if there was sufficient interest and willing organisers.

A committee with 2025 chairman Christopher was voted in. Christopher reiterated that our aim of minimising administration and focussing on our enjoyable activities had worked well and would continue. He commented that members looked forward to club meetings and should encourage more people to join.

Member Mark agreed to set up a Facebook page to complement our website.

Jim agreed to continue to produce reports on meetings for submission to the Cornish & Devon Post.

The meeting concluded with a reminder that our next meeting would be a talk by member Stan about his experiences as a member of the local farming community.

The club meets on the morning of the first and third Monday of each month, either to be entertained by a speaker, or for an occasional outside visit. New members are always welcome and there is no commitment, members attend as they wish.

For further information on past and future activities of Probus, including talks and visits, please visit our Facebook page at Probus Club of Launceston - Cornwall, or our website at probusclub.net/launcestoncornwalluk

The Dunheved Flower & Garden Group, held its annual general meeting on Thursday, January 16, at the Central Methodist Church Hall Launceston.

The meeting was opened by the chairman John Ellacott, who welcomed members, giving thanks for their attendance throughout the year and supporting our very enjoyable coach trips. Special thanks were given to Joy Wills for doing the food for our Christmas party and decorating our Christmas tree for St Marys Church Festival in December, along with the year as our treasurer and secretary sorting the programme booking details and accounts, with a round of applause from members for everything else she does for the Club. Thanks for the support of committee members suggestions, the use of Joy’s house, member helpers with food and Margaret Watson overseeing the draw over the year. Any requests or suggestions for next year’s trips or programme would be welcomed if they could pass to Joy.

Last year’s minutes and accounts were read and accepted by all.

Joy Wills gave her secretary’s report with details from the successful past Year of events, that included, Michael Stevens on “Scented Gardens” Claire Robson was a great hit with her flower displays. Coach Trips to Castle Hill Gardens, Enys Gardens, Stone Lane Sculpture Garden, Bicton Park Garden and Train Ride and Pinetum Gardens, a Pictorial talk from Adrian Langdon on Alaska, Our afternoon Tea and Christmas Party was fun with Bingo and a buffet tea. A good year, and I give thanks to all those who help make it all come about. Special thanks to all on the committee for their hard work and thanks to you all for supporting the trips and meetings.

The election of officers and committee were approved resulting with chairman John Ellacott, treasurer Joy Wills, secretary Joy Wills, programme booking secretary Joy Wills, coach bookings Vera Ellacott, committee members; Wendy Key, Pam Davy, Margaret Friend and Margaret Watson.

Details were given from our 2025 programme with a strong request for support and any new Members to make a big difference to the money we have to take from the funds to make up any short fall.

Approval for the £12 yearly subscription for 2025 was accepted and taken by Joy during the afternoon.

There being no other business the AGM. Meeting closed at 3pm.

Following this a presentation show given by John, showing the trips made by the club along with other location visits he made over the year.

Trish Shanks opened the meeting with a welcome to old and new members and visitors. She then checked on the numbers who want to come to the New Year lunch on Tuesday, January 28, at the Holsworthy Golf Club. This years charity will be chosen at the lunch.

She then introduced Colin Sargent who gave a wonderful talk and showed us some brilliant photos of wildlife that he had taken. There was some of Frogs and Toads spawn, a Frog trying to mate with a Toad. A big mistake said Colin! Puffins on Stomer Island and Otters up in Scotland. Wonderful shots of Starlings at dusk, Beavers, Bearded Tits and birds in holes in tree trunks. A long tailed blue Butterfly taken at Axmouth. Ponies on Dartmoor, Red Squirrels on Brownsea Island Reserve. Lots more birds, Cuckoos, a Meadow Pippit and Jays. To end the slide show Colin took some shots of Red Deer at the Lydford Reserve he looks after and Badger-faced Sheep, most unusual. It was a fantastic talk and slide show with Colin telling us how he was able to take some of the photos and the mistakes he had made as well! Everyone enjoyed the talk and we all agreed he must come back to us again with some more photographs.

Trish then came around and took the names and meal choice of members who were coming to the lunch the following week. She mentioned the next meeting on Tuesday, February 18, when Katie Mansford-Clark will be giving a Pet First Aid presentation.

The flower competition was first Sue Williams and the table flowers were given to Rosemary Wonnacott. We all then had tea/coffee and biscuits and caught up with everyones news.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

The Werrington Ladies Circle finished 2024 on a high, in fact flying high with a visit from the incredible Nina, a European Barn Owl.

The lecture “Owl Show and Tell” was headed by owner, Graham Parker, who was absolutely captivating and the ladies were even allowed not only to touch but to hold this beautiful owl. A real treat for all of us!

If anyone would like to join these eclectic, fun loving ladies from all walks of life within a community, please contact Susan Desmond (president), tel 01566 773768.

Our meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month, in the winter at 2.30pm and summer 7.30pm at Yeolmbridge, Methodist Community Hall, Ladycross, PL15 8TN.

Morning prayer will be on Mondays only at 10am.

Candlemas Holy Communion will be at 6pm on Sunday, February 2.

An All Age Service will be held in St Paul’s Church, Upton Cross, at 10am on Sunday, February 2.

Monday, February 3, in Rilla Mill Village Hall committee room at 7.30pm.

Digital horse racing will be on the big screen on Saturday, February 8, at 6.30pm at the Parish Hall in Upton Cross. Eight races, eight chances to win. Own a horse for just £2.50, Fun for all the family. Hot food available. Free entry.

Chilsworthy Methodist Chapel hosted the Wednesday Coffee Morning in Holsworthy Memorial Hall on Wednesday, January 15. It was not primarily a fund raising event, but more of an opportunity to engage with Townspeople and the people of Holsworthy Hamlets and parishes beyond, who come into Town on a Wednesday. There was a prize raffle, a cake stall and a browse and buy stall, all of which did good trade. Thank you to all who helped with the event and to all who supported it in any way.

Sunday, January 19, was when Chilsworthy Chapel chose to hold their 'Safeguarding Sunday', when the service was led by Chris Smith and Ruth Bealing.

We worshipped the Lord by singing: 'The Lord’s My Shepherd', 'In Christ Alone', 'Living Hope', 'Good Good Father' and 'I Just Want to Speak the Name of Jesus'.

The singing was accompanied by Sandra Shepherd and Christine Tratt playing keyboards and with Marlene Heard, Pamela Newton, Maxine Whenmouth and John Cleave as vocalists.

There was an opportunity to form groups to discuss the issues of Safeguarding and how important an issue it is. Coffee and biscuits were served after the service.

Forty people gathered at The Stable at Chilsworthy Chapel for the first Community Breakfast of this year on Saturday, January 18. Thank you to those who cooked the full English Breakfast and waited on the tables. A really nice morning was spent with the people of our community.

The Muddy Church Team organised an 'Epiphany Craft Afternoon' at the Methodist Chapel on the afternoon of Sunday, January 19, for children and young families. The Christmas Tree and beautiful Christmas decorations and candles were left up in the Chapel for the event, which helped to explain a lot about Epiphany. Refreshments were served.