BELSTONE NEWS
40 Years of Garden Opening!
On Sunday 20th May, Andrews Corner, Skaigh Lane, Belstone celebrates the ruby anniversary of its first opening for the National Gardens Scheme.
When they first opened in May 1972, little did Harold and Kath Hill even dream that their family would still be opening the garden forty years later! Three generations have now had a hand in shaping the garden that has changed so dramatically since coming under the ownership of the Hill Family in the late 60s and the fourth generation – in the form of two toddlers – is beginning to show an interest in following in the family tradition!
Walking around the garden in the early 70s you would have seen heather beds, dwarf conifers, azaleas and young maples, with wide-open views of the surrounding moorland. Today, with the garden owned and managed by the second generation (Robin and Edwina Hill) those maples have matured into beautiful trees and, along with many other species, have created a wildlife-friendly, semi-woodland garden. There are a variety of habitats, including a large pond; also an organic kitchen garden, greenhouses and chickens.
The garden is open on 20th May, 3rd & 4th June and 14th October, from 2.30-5.30pm with homemade cream teas and a family quiz to follow around the garden. There will also be a display, showingthe history of the garden since the mid-thirties, when the house was built, and you can see the new trees, presented to Robin and Edwina, by the National Gardens Scheme, in recognition of 40 years of support for the charity. In 1972, it cost just 10p to visit the garden but inflation means that it is now £3.50.
If you fancy an evening stroll in the garden, Andrews Corner will also be open on 3rd & 4th August from 7-10pm, when, lit by over 200 candle lanterns, it transforms into fairyland. For further information, ring Robin and Edwina on 01837 840332
Drawing Workshop
We have been asked to bring to your attention a very special drawing workshop, in Northlew,with renowned artist Mike Sibley. It promises to be a great weekend for anyone who is interested in developing or practising their drawing skills, with an opportunity to meet an expert. Click for further info.
AN EVENING OF JAZZ IN THE GARDEN . . . .
. . . hosted by the CHSW Belstone and Area Friends’ Group on Saturday 26th May, in the garden of St Anthony’s Close, Skaigh Lane, Belstone (courtesy of Haldon Hole). Bring your own picnic and listen to music from the New Stannary Jazzmen – an established traditional Jazz Band whose music ranges from interpretations of New Orleans and Dixieland to popular pieces in the Jazz idiom.
So join the “Friends” in this beautiful setting for what promises to be a most enjoyable evening. Doors open at 6.30pm to allow picnics to begin and the music begins at 7.30pm. Hot drinks on sale during the interval and undercover space provided in case of inclement weather! Car parking in nearby field – well signed. Tickets £10 from Angela on 01837 840234 – all profits to The Children’s Hospice South West. 28/4/12
To find out more about the Jazzmen go to www.stannaryjazzmen.co.uk
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
These will take place on Monday 4th June. See programme of the day's events.
Thanks to generous donations from village community groups, all celebrations are free to parish residents, but we do ask that visiting friends and family make a donation, in the "honesty box", on the day.
For further information contact the Jubilee Committee Chair - Sharon Cooper on 01837840909 or email scooper31@btinternet.com 13/4/12
Belstone Letterbox Walk
Do you like walking on Dartmoor? Have you ever tried letterboxing? Hidden around a four mile route, including Taw Marsh and the slopes of Cosdon, are a series of boxes containing unique stamps. To help you find them a set of clues has been prepared . . . click to find out more 25/3/12
Faster Broadband in Rural Devon
We have had the following message from Jane Jecks - Editor of 'The Beacon' Magazine - 'There is an initiative underway to improve broadband connection speeds in rural parts of Devon and Somerset. In order to get a clear idea of demand, there is a short online survey which needs to be completed by the end of February. The more people who respond, the better – funding will be directed at identifiable hot (or not-so-hot) spots! Please follow the link, test your download/upload speeds with the meter and complete the survey. And pass this on to anyone else who you think would appreciate faster internet access!'
http://www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk/connection-speed-survey/14/2/12
Photographic Competition 2012
The results of the Photographic Competition 2011 were announced on Saturday 10th December at the Village Hall coffee morning. Many thanks to all who took part and to our judge Vanessa Miles. The winners can be viewed here and the highly commended here.
The three classes for the 2012 competition are:
1) Beautiful Belstone
2) Flowers, Ferns and Fungi
3) People, Pets and Ponies.
The rules are as before with all photographs being taken in Belstone or the immediate environs and entry open to residents and non residents. Full details of the competition can be seen by clicking here11/12/11
Belstone by Moonlight - Photo by Chris Walpole
