What's Happening in Bovey Tracey
Newsletter 4 December 2024
Merry Christmas!
Lots has happened in Bovey and surrounding areas, sadly caused by Storm Darragh. It was a difficult decision to cancel the Christmas Market but was absolutely the right one to make. Fortunately, other indoor events have been able to go ahead in the build-up to Christmas.
On Saturday 14th there is a free presentation about the Pine Marten Project (see poster on this website). Having mentioned it in passing to someone, I quickly became aware that there are very differing views about the release of these creatures back into the wild on Dartmoor. If you have questions, concerns or just want to know more, then please do book your ticket.
Growing Space Bovey Tracey is serving soup every Tuesday 11:30-12:30 at the Methodist Church Hall. This is even happening on 24th and 31st December. I may well pop over in the New Year so that I can let you know how it works. If you have been there and might be able to let me know what occurs, that would be great. I realise that anxiety about trying new things can be quite prohibitive, so it would be good to help create a picture of what goes on.
I guess you are all aware that Lidl is now OPEN!! I walked there with my sister (who has mobility issues) from that ‘end’ of Bovey Tracey. It was a relief not to have cross and walk on roads which have steep steps and no pavements, which is the route to the Co-op. Going via the Copper Kettle to Lidl means that the route is fairly straightforward and well lit. If you go via the short length of public footpath, you will find that it is uneven, potentially slippery and unlit but at least there is a choice!
The only thing I found difficult to get used to (but wasn’t a deal breaker), is that the prices are above the item not below. I am told that this is common in Lidl and Aldi. The shop was larger than I had anticipated and the aisles were pleasantly wide. I was slightly disappointed that there was nothing in the middle aisle that I needed! Prices did look very competitive.
There is a lovely item on Facebook about another ‘Local Hero’ Sue Hutchings who has helped save 2 people’s lives using CPR and a defibrillator. I will publish a link to this article in the posts section on this website. It is wonderful to have unsung heroes like Sue and her husband Ian living in our community. There is also information about CPR training in February and March next year, taking place at the Riverside Community Centre.
Please do let me know if you are aware of any events or support groups etc which take place locally. I am happy to get the info out there so that everyone can benefit.
Wishing you and yours a joyful festive season…..and a wonderful start to the New Year.
Helen
ps. if you have signed up to receive the newsletter, you will receive a version of the above very soon.
Click here to view the Events Calendar
Winter Activities at the RCC
Please see all the great activities taking place regularly at the RCC. We are really pleased to announce the new French Evening Class starting in January. It is not too late to join this, or any of the classes listed.
Winter activities at the RCC 1
Spring Craft Fair
After the success of the Christmas Fayre, we are now excited about using the hall for more ‘table-top’ type sales.
Would you be interested in having a table? (probably £10 for medium table and £15 for large table for 4 hours)
Would you like a Spring Craft Fair or maybe a more generic event similar to a car-boot sale?
Do you want to organise your own event?
Flow and Heath Winter
FREE! Flow & Heath festive winter workshops ðâï¸ for children and families celebrating the wildlife of Heathfield's rare heathlands and the River Bovey. This Friday 20th December is bird themedð¦ð¦ and Monday 23rd December insect themedðð and at both workshops a chance to make a sparkly decoration to take home. Free delicious festive refreshments to keep the creativity flowing!
We also have some free Christmas food packs kindly donated by @wbwsolicitorsððâð¤©âï¸
Baby Loss Support Group
Baby Loss Support Circle ð¼ðâ¤ï¸ð©¹
3 spaces left to hold a safe space for you mumma.
Our first baby loss support circle is happening on Thursday the 12th December at 1.30pm - 3pm at… â¬ï¸â¬ï¸
Heathfield Community Centre Devon
We have 3 spaces left so please pop us an email to book for this session or the next one on Thursday 9th January at 10-12.30. ( same location)
Email us at
thebabylosshealinghub@gmail.com
Local Hero
Guess who's currently rubbing shoulders with Catherine, Princess of Wales, (well, in print anyway)? If you grab the latest Women & Home magazine, flip to the Inspirational Women section, and there she is—our very own Bovey Tracey legend, Sue Hutchings. My mum. Sandwiched between royalty and Pru Leith, like it’s no big deal. But let me tell you, it is a very big deal.
Four years ago, in November 2020, Sue saved Andy Hannan’s life with a mix of resuscitation (CPR) and deft use of a defibrillator. Fast forward to Sunday 24th November, 2024, at Sainsbury’s The Willows in Torquay, and guess what? It happened again. A man collapsed at the tills, and mum sprang into action without hesitation.
She performed CPR and delivered a shock with the defib, keeping him alive long enough for the ambulance (and a doctor from the air ambulance – yes, it was that serious!) to arrive. Thanks to her quick thinking and skill, he made it to the hospital for the care he desperately needed. And the latest? We’ve heard that he survived. How incredible is that?
But hold on, let’s not forget Dad (aka Ian). For 25 years, he’s run the Bovey Tracey Lifesaving Club, teaching young people vital first aid and lifeguard skills, giving them opportunities and confidence. Together, Mum and Dad now offer free defibrillator workshops in the community (they just ask for a fiver if you can, to keep the club running).
Some dates for your diary if you're interested: Monday 24th February & Monday 24th March, 2025, at the Bovey Tracey Community Centre. Contact suejhutchings@yahoo.co.uk to book a place now!
Thank you from the Riverside CC
Carers Support Group
Jolly Babies
Hi there!
I run Jolly Melodies music classes weekly on Thursday mornings from the Riverside Community Centre - 10am for toddlers and preschoolers, 11am for babies under 14 months
It’s £6.50 per session and we enjoy half term themed blocks of classes - we are currently enjoying our festive block but there are spaces available.
Classes can be booked by email to the address above, or via my Facebook page (see link)
or by messaging Lou on 07773029234
Let's Talk French Evening
Mood-board Creation
Better Places Supermarket
On Tuesday the 26th November we are proud to have launched a new Bovey Tracey Social Supermarket!
A place to get lots of affordable food for £4.50!
Help with the rising cost of living as well as reducing food waste.
It’s a first come first served system and we have no idea how many of you will come along, so please bear with us whilst we work out how much stock we need each week.
There will be a free table for donations too so if you need to clear space in your cupboards you know where to bring your unwanted food!
Please come and support.
Open from 3pm every Tuesday.
Spud Club
Every Monday in Heathfield Community Centre during term time.
Craft Events in Hennock
Please contact Angela for more details on
07921 768408
angbas95@gmail.com
Yarn and Yabber!
Tuesday Hub
Social Supermarket
Coming to Bovey Tracey.
Get involved...You are important!!
Growing Spaces
Enjoy gardening? Want to support the local community?
Then please get in touch...your help will be very much appreciated.
Bickington Community Fridge
Don't be confused (like I was!)...the community fridges in Bovey and Bickington are for everyone to use. Their purpose is to save food waste, not necessarily to save money (although it does do that too!). Pop along to your local community fridge and have a look. You will find food which should still be edible, within it's 'use by' life and still be great to consume.
Riversong Local Choir Needs You!
Would you like to be part of a local, informal choir?
We are a group of friendly people who share a love of singing.
We meet every week at the Wickham Hall and would be pleased to welcome you as a new member.
Please phone Laura for more details on:
07904 312231
Community Service Free Event
We are pleased to advise that our successful Community Support Service is taking place again next week on Wednesday 13th November 10.30 – 12.30 (please see the attached poster).
This is a vital free support service for Newton Abbot where anyone can seek advice, support, signposting or just pop along for a chat to reduce isolation. There is no booking required, on site car parking and a friendly café too!
The services and groups available this month are as follows;
NHS App help
Health & Wellbeing Coach
Social Prescriber
Community Policing
ECOE Home Energy
South West Water
Teign Housing
Kingscare Wellbeing, Carer, Dementia, Wellbeing & MH Support
Brighter Horizons Women’s Wellbeing
Andys Man Club
Healthwatch – Citizens Advice Teignbridge
Teignbridge Family Hub
Bales Buddies Therapy Dogs
Life chance trust – mentoring and life skills for young people
Spaces for Hire
k.einzig-pilling@boveytraceyyouthcafe.org
New Bus Timetable 39
Please see the most recent bus timetable.
Teignbridge Community Project
Do you fancy taking part in some projects/activities with us? ðÂÂÂ
If you would like to try your hand at some starter level activities such as; textiles, baking, arts & crafts, wood work, gardening, digital skills, hair & Nails, candle & jewellery making. Then we have all of the resources to facilitate that for you.
We offer it all in a really positive and relaxed environment.
You can book 1hour sessions at £10 per hour at times that are convenient to you. Please drop us a message if you would like to come and have a look around before signing up.
Bovey Paradiso
The Rooted Yoga
Bounce and Rhyme
Free tickets are now available for Thursday afternoon's Bounce & Rhyme and Stay & Play, click the link to book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../bounce-rhyme-tickets...
If you should book a space and then find you can't attend, please do cancel your ticket on Eventbrite or by contacting the library, so that someone else can have you place. We have a waiting list most weeks so this really helps as many people attend as possible. Thank you!
Dancing at the Dolphin
Held every Monday 11.30am-3pm(Except 14th October) in The Dolphin Hotel function room, Bovey Tracey. Ballroom, Latin, And popular sequence dancing with a couple of line dances. Live keyboard music by John Westlake. We stop at 1pm for lunch which you pre order when you arrive (Lunch is extra charge from the dance).We are a friendly group and single dancers are most welcome. Admission is £5.pp. The dance raises funds for Rowcroft Hospice and The Devon Air Ambulance. Basic knowledge of Ballroom and sequence dancing is required. Details from John-07968018225.
Brighter Horizons
We are a group for ladies over the age of 18, one of our facilitators will be at the door to walk through it with you, as we know it’s hard as we have done it ourselves.
We meet at Newton Abbot Library
Kettle on from 6.40pm
Meeting 7pm-9pm
Be lovely to see you
Bovey Book Chat Group
Dementia Support
Growing Spaces Bovey Tracey
The sun is out - come and join us at the Tuesday Hub at the Methodist Church.
Free bread from Ryders Bakery.
Soup served 11:30am - 12:30pm
