Totnes_Directory_April_2021

Over 4,400 copies delivered free every month to the homes and businesses of Totnes

APRIL 2021 | Issue 166
www.totnesdirectory.co.uk

PLEASE
KEEP YOUR
DISTANCE

2 METRES

STAY SAFE

TRANSITION MARTIN TOTNES TOWN
HOMES CLT LEWIS COUNCIL

Clay Park Hidden ways to cut Spring
development update your council tax bill newsletter

PleasKe mEeNntNionITCoOtneTsTDirSecItXorTy wHheFn OresRpoMnd,inbgetofaodrveer,tsduring & after the class of 2019 1

2 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

Inside...

06 MARTIN LEWIS 14

Hidden ways to cut your council tax bill

10 JASON MOUNTJOY KENNICOTT SIXTH FORM
Abigail Green Class of 2019
The money game
24
12 BRIDGETOWN ALIVE

Volunteer Opportunities

18 HEALTH MATTERS

Understanding urinary tract infections

32 ON THE ROAD

Mazda CX-30 2.0 180ps AWD GT

36 TOTNES TOWN COUNCIL

Spring Newsletter

40 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH RIVERFORD RECIPES
Cracking ideas with eggs
Area coordinator vacancies
38
42 DEVON & CORNWALL POLICE
PDSA
Livestock Worrying Creating a pet-friendly garden this Spring

48 MEANDERING NATURALIST 44

In search of the sounds of spring HEAVENLY HELLEBORES
All you need to know
50 TRANSITION TOWN TOTNES

Clay Park development update

68 TOTNES TOWN BUS

Timetables

70 A-Z INDEX

Advertisers & service providers

CONTACT US

T: 07875 538 848
E: [email protected]
www.totnesdirectory.co.uk
Twitter: @TotnesDirectory

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 3

Dear resident...

Welcome to the April edition of the Totnes Directory. photosofdevon.co.uk
For us and many others Monday the twelfth of April cannot
come quick enough. The re-opening of businesses which Useful Numbers
have been prevented from trading since last year will hopefully
breathe much needed life back into our high street. Pubs and Police 999 or 101
restaurants with outdoor space can start taking orders again Post Off ice 0845 7223344
and fortunately in Totnes we have many brilliant eating houses Electricity 0800 365900
to choose from. Let’s hope the weather decides to bring its Gas 0800 111999
happy face to the party. Water 0344 346 2020
Clearly it will be a step by step process until normal life can be Flood Watch 0845 9881188
resumed, although we are seeing early indications of a potential Totnes Community
local economic recovery with a surge of recent inquiries from Hospital 01803 862622
new businesses starting up in and around the town. Leatside Surgery 01803 862671
For the last fourteen years, Incredible Edible has been creating Catherine House Surgery 01803 862073
edible community gardens and orchards for everyone in Totnes COOP Pharmacy 0500 970487
to enjoy and harvest from. The group currently maintains Morrisons Pharmacy 01803 840340
gardens at Steamer Quay and Borough Park, as well as Citizen Advice 03444 111444
caring for fruit and nut trees in Bridgetown and Follaton. With Town Council 01803 862147
the relaxing of social gatherings in sight, volunteers are now Tourist Information 01803 863168
welcome. To discover how to participate please turn to the Library 01803 862210
Transition Town newsletter. Rail Enquiries 08457 484950
Also in this month’s edition; KEVICC talk to former student RSPCA 01803 866597
Abigail Green on life before, during and after sixth form, Devon South Hams
and Cornwall Police discuss the issues of livestock being District Council 01803 861234
worried by dogs, Money saving expert Martin Lewis uncovers Totnes Caring 01803 865684
hidden ways to cut your council tax bill and our resident Totnes Social Services 01803 869300
naturalist Colin Hair is in search of the first signs of spring. Caring Town 01803 864450
Along with our regular features together with a comprehensive
index of local traders and service providers we hope you find
the directory both useful and interesting. Please don’t forget
we will be happy to publish any community news, stories or
interesting articles completely free of charge.
Finally please remember to say:
“I SAW IT IN THE TOTNES DIRECTORY”
when responding to adverts.

Stay safe and well.
Best wishes

Richard & Shona

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of material published, the Totnes Directory take no responsibility for
accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisements or for the loss arising from non publication of any advert. All
images and content are accepted and reproduced in good faith. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form
in whole or part without the express permission of the publisher.

4 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 5

6 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 7

NWTWTTTICHHHHKDHHREEEEEWAAIIIGGnMMTTdep’’RRSSenPPdEEeHHnLLtAAFIIinAACCanTTciPPaAAlWWAPPdTTvisEEeIIEErOONNAANNLLIINNTTSSHHGG?? TTAARRNNAADDNNWWSSFFHHEEAARRTT AARREE Courtesy of Cook Islands Tourism

NICK DREW Independent Financial Adviser 2. Get organised

Wealth transfer affects us all, whether we are planning our legacy or iinyA2niAiwynnnnoo.eehcvcvwwGuueeeeeaaiiddeppssrllnnlletttaaiimmeessossbbtooeerheeaagllmmddeeennagg..yeettoonoossHHoocffi,,sooammaanneyyddnvveedooaaeettbuunntthhoorreaayyiinnooggIIfttSSggouuaaiinnAAkkuttggaaooeessn,,rrttdhhrroohhyyaaaavveeooannvveenmmuuggeerrdrree,,yyyyiibbdduttooooaaniiuuuussaanndrrrraasskkepplleeaassrooccffllsooffffuuwwt??aaottrriieeDDhhrrrroeessrreeoodnniiooaa?ffyyttbbffooyyaassaaoouunnoottuuddhhttlloouuaabbssrrttvveennaaeeeeeevvccbbddiiaayynnaammeeggrriittnneesseeaammiiccaalliissnnaacciinnoofifisscceeiirrffoommmmyyuuyyoouunnoooouummttuussrrrr
oWoteehxxnneeppttaeewhhlrreetettharrhhteeleertccahlleeppnwiisvviissfeiienneerhggssaasseefveefnneennddcttbiit..aausIIllttiuliicctffsaawwuannpeellbb,waaweerrheehaaeettnccootoohweemmennerppsswnuulliioerrcceeaalaottttreehhneddaagpttebblooaruuuunnssrrniiennllieooneedvvgsseessiodd,,t uaaooonnrunnddlreeesgggessaeeleevcttnnettyiijjsnnooo.ggyyr
tWhehowgeeatlsthyowuer mhaovneebyu–imlt aukpewsuhreenitwisne’tntohelotanxgmeranneed it ourselves. whGereetthtienygcanfibneafnocuinadllayndourngdaenrsitsoeodd? is vital at every
Gstaegtteingof filinfean–ciinaclllyudoinrggawnihseend yios uvaitrael paltanenvienrgy
IIrrWvbsbwIsIvnnwsffffeetooaaooiihheeeyyllllhllmmllaattiieepoovvddotttteerrooeeuuciimmeevvgwwrrhppyyeeddbbsseiaaiittuulssaallootyydhhrrllsrryyrrccnnttiirppyiinnhhaaooeooee’’orrttggeennnnnddnniiussmm.lleeggiiiiryyyynnnnAaassoomoowwhhggttkkmmeeuusaaiieeoeellpssrrddttllrrnaaeeoeeiittttiierrttrrhhooggss..mmrrueeyeeiitteeseeyyccaa–uuettoottddrrttmssiiiieeuuooggyttnn..arronnoohhbbBBookssssurrtteeuuepptt..pphhnttssccooWWsiirrhhrreuiinnuuoovveeaahhvrggssiivvemmellrreeeeiieessrinn,,eetppddaaiiqttooimmaannshhaaoounnnrrddiibbnnttippuu’tnntnneeggetteeteeoorrnnhuussrr,,mrrwwssooennssaaaaoorr,,addtrrppnnaeeyynaaeexaaoowwnnassrrddmrruugddiiiittttiimmllnneehhrrllaesseeeenppdwwssggrroollwwrreeeetrrttuummoaaooaaiilltt––lleennhheedttwwtthhssddoohhihhvccoooouueeccooohhttrrttffoorhheemmiiiillcuullnneeeeddiiellttssyyaarrddrree,ooeevvnnwssccggiinnuuoottnnlliaaoooolggaattlcc.aassoorriiyynneeeeaaxxrr,, shtoawgeyoofurlifewe–ailnthcluwdiilnl gbewhsehnaryeoduaaftreerpylaonunainrge
hgoowne.your wealth will be shared after you are
steMpcahikldinregn. Aa swpoilulseisyothu enevoenr lqyuiwteamyantaogebdetocdeivrotarcien, wthilla. t
Myoaukrinmgonaewyiglloies sthtoe tohonlsye wyoauy wtoanbtetocehratvaeinit.that 3. Ggeot snoem.e IHT solutions
your money goes to those you want to have it.
iuop3TupiTsshh.ppneehhGeenntaaeerrehsseeaaiitettooddrrsaauunnsoeerrsstmeeddrcctta,,oo..eaataanneccBBIrrHttgttrruurruuaaTiiyttbbaannstttlluugghhhlloyyttiieealiinnuoopptggtttnniillaaoseessxxggnnnrmmcciiisttffgaayyttaasshnnnnoo,,t’’aassffssfoollowwllrrmmruuhhaaylleeyyeeeeossllssppttuaattaaooyyccirrsootteerriiluueeccicckaaddccooelluuoommluuyccnnsseeppttteeorrllIIooiiHHooccbllaaffTTewwttlleeiillhheffiiddeeaaeesbb..srriieEEnneeiillniissxxttyyuupptiiooeeirreeassaauulrr...nnrrttSSccwwaaeeeeddeettvvttaaaaiiiinnnnllccttddgghhee
Inheritance tax o4.nGtehtessotmraetehgeylpthat is right for you is likely to be essential.

saaTwBI4cBcTswt4GGnoiihhllhh00oommiieehllllooaaaa%%wttlletthhppllwwttnnhhllroiieeillnnkkaaaatiieernnnnaoossggkvvnnnttggssffee:ttcceettcooyyeeeeeesseiieeoonnttppttffaavvthhuuoohhooasseecceerrffeerrxyyyyrrrrmmyyccttwwooiihhaattttoouueehhaaoonneennnnaaiiddnnccnnssffllccaaaaeettttggIIeeaahhmmnnyyHHnnttTTttiihhttwwttaallaarryyxxeeiiaacckkeennhhaaaaeennddccddnnoossrreettllffeeeeeemmooeeddeeaaaaddrraauurreessvv..eettcc))eeeeww..ddIIttiinnnneeiihhuunnhhttddaaeeccooeettbbeerrhhffeerroorrooiieeyyoottuuvvaaooyymmppeerrnnoouurrwwccuurriittccee££hheeIIeeHHww33eeaaTTTT22oollaawwttaa55hhnnffllxxeeii,,pp..ttaa00aaBBrrbbii((00lloossIIuuttiiHH00hhllppttiioottTTeeyyttwwnn))((hhrreellaaeetteeyyiiyyxxnnssrr,,ppcceeddppmmllaattuuaahhaappssooddrreerrssuutteerriinnttooeeoooossggppnnffoottoollhhaaff––ttmmeehhaannuuaarrnneeeesssstt.. btMpprrpbtM4hhuu.rrreeaaeellGoooeecckkffvooesshheeiiinntmmdeessiiggsnnsselloeeppvviiooaamtoohnnoowwllcceevvaaffooiieellhllhaallmmddeaaecc..lddssppaaplpNNoonnvvlliilliiccaayiiccaaccaattoeeccuuiittttutteerroouuffaaddrrnrraalloo..,,llellyyllmmeyy,,BBwwdaabbuuee.hhtteettxxiiCCccppvvmmhhooeeeeoonnrrrryyttssttmmssiittssnniieewwttuummhhaauuhhiippnnnnmmoossllggee,,ssuu,,wwiinnaatttteellddootthheeiiwwssddoorroossoouuttuueeggaawwllssnnhhddssiiddtteeiibbhhttnnttiieesshhttIIiiHHeeppaabbTTlllleeeeccssoottaatttteeoossmmttnneeooddppddgggglleetttteeeeooooxxtttt
t1o. Gweotrak:will provide the help you need.

tatAA1hhn.eeGwwdiierrllkiilltggeaiihhssewttptthhppilieeleet oousspiippmm-lleetppo..ll-MMeedawwootssaaettyy–oottffboouuueesstnnmkkssnnuuooorrseewwt otthhhhfooaauwwttsyysiioommimuupprrpoowwlrryeettaadaannolltttthhnii’tttiissiidssttottrrooaainnthh.ssaaffeevvrreerreeaaddwwttiioollll
and keep it up-to-date – but most of us simply don’t do it.

The information contained in this article is based on the opinion of Continuum and does not constitute financial advice or a
cTrreeohccueoorimmsnefmmooreefmnnaddacttaaiiottoiinoon.nncTotthoonetssaFuuiiiinntteaaabbdnllcieeniaiinntlhvvCieesossanttrmmdtuieecclnnetttAisssuttrrbtaahattoeeserggidtyyy,,odyynooouutehsssehhnoooopuutillrnddeigosseenueeloakktfeiiCnntoddaneextppainteeiunnouddnmee&nnatttrnfifiudnnsaatdnnaoccdeiivaasillcnaaeoddtavvcniiccodeenwsbbtieeiltlffuoowtrrereeitfieeinnmmganbb. caairrakkliinnadggvooicnneaaonnryya
course of action. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation & trust advice and will writing.

MORTGAGES LIFE INSURANCE SAVINGS INVESTMENTS PENSIONS ESTATE PLANNING

MORTGAGES LIFE INSURANCE SAVINGS INVESTMENTS PENSIONS ESTATE PLANNING

FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION CONTACT

FNOICRKADFRREEWE INInIdTeIApLeCndOeNnSt UFiLnTaAnTcIOialNACdOvisNeTrA: CT

TN:IC0K79D7R4E0W72In6d05epEe:[email protected]:.uk

T2:Br0i7d9g7e4F0a7r2m6O05fficEe:sn, Hicakb@emrtyocno,nTtointunuems, .TcQo.9uk7PP
2w2 BwBrrwiidd.ggmeeyFFcaaorrnmmtiOOnufffifiuccmeess.,c, HoH.aaubrkbeertrotonn,,TToottnneess,, TTQQ99 77PPPP
www.mycontinuum.co.ukContinuum (Financial Services) LLP, Falcon House, Eagle Road, Langage, Plymouth, PL7 5JY T: +44 (0)345 643 0770 E: [email protected] www.mycontinuum.co.uk

Continuum is a trading name of Continuum (Financial Services) LLP Falcon House, Eagle Road, Langage, Plymouth, PL7 5JY which is authorised and regulated by the
CFionnatninciuaul mCo(nFidnuacntcAiaul tSheorrviticyes) LLP, Falcon House, Eagle Road, Langage, Plymouth, PL7 5JY T: +44 (0)345 643 0770 E: [email protected] www.mycontinuum.co.uk
Continuum is a trading name of Continuum (Financial Services) LLP Falcon House, Eagle Road, Langage, Plymouth, PL7 5JY which is authorised and regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority

8 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

For a free, SERVING
no obligation consultation, TOTNES

contact Melanie now. Francis Parffrey Legal
Services Ltd for
2 Bridge Farm Offices |
Harberton | Totnes | TQ9 7PP CONVEYANCING - PROBATE –

WILLS -POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Contact Francis 01364 653 331
Ring/text 07443 622 903
Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.francisparffreylegalservices.co.uk

Home visiting by arrangement

Licensed Conveyancer and Probate
Practitioner
CLC Regulated Licence Number 2422

1.

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 9

Jason Mountjoyʼs - Independent financial guidance

The Money Game.....

In recent weeks the financial press was gripped by asset in a few hours or days, while long term buy-and-
the story of a group of rebellious internet-based stock hold investors are more interested in a company’s
market traders taking on the giants of the hedge profitability over a few decades. Being influenced
fund industry at their own game. A few hedge funds by someone playing a different game is a sure way
had taken significant bets on the demise (and share to ruin. The financial literate is content to play their
price decline) of a company called GameStop - an own game, maintaining the discipline required to be
American video game retailer. The hedge funds were a successful long term investor. Failed investors often
planning to profit by borrowing the shares, selling innocently take queues from other investors who are
them and then repurchasing at a later date for a playing a different game than they are. One of the
profit. This practice is referred to as “short selling”. wonders of the GameStop saga is that most players
knew how the game would end, but still chose to
Members of the “Wallstreetbets” internet message play. Like a game of musical chairs, the players were
board uncovered the fact that the hedge funds had happy to chance their luck at grabbing a seat when
taken this practice to the extreme (overconfidence?). the music stopped.
They decided to orchestrate an increase in the
company share price by buying up the stock and 2. Know when you are speculating
refusing to sell to the hedge funds. The hedge funds The second lesson is a reminder of how greed (or
then became desperate to repurchase the stock FOMO - fear of missing out) is an indelible feature of
in order to limit their billion-dollar losses that were human nature. It can cause otherwise sensible people
brewing. A classic, David versus Goliath battle. to abandon all rationality, lured by the promise of a
quick return. Speculation, while an exciting game, is
While it made for exciting viewing, the game came not one in which you have a competitive advantage.
to an inevitable conclusion: a sharp decline in the On the other hand, patience and discipline is a
share price, accusations of regulatory interference game short of good players and one in which even
and losses for many uninformed investors looking for the average investor (often referred to despairingly
a quick return. Since then, the further emergence of as “dumb money”) can excel. We are all tempted to
Bitcoin “latest craze” has continued with everywhere speculate, but keep in mind your handicap.
you turn online the so-called “influencers” showing
how this can create wealth fast. Keep your eye on the prize
GameStop and Bitcoin are just examples of a
When anyone asks me about Bitcoin, it’s a simple scheme that was “working now”. Similar opportunities
response of “as its completely unregulated, will come and go until the end of time. As financial
incredibly volatile and new, it is a complete NO planners, we’re more interested in “what’s always
from me” worked”. The best antidote to the temptations of
speculation and being drawn into a foreign game
Two lessons stand out for the mature, long term is to remember your goals and your time frame.
investor. You’re playing a different but wiser game. One that
ends in an independent and dignified retirement
1. Understand the game you are playing and hopefully a meaningful legacy to those you love.
While all investors are playing on the same “field”, not There will always be a “get rich quick” scheme if you
all are playing the same game. Short term traders are look hard enough for it. Our advice is to avoid the
concerned about what someone else will pay for an unimportant and focus on the real prize.

Jason Mountjoy DipFA / Independent Financial Adviser (Diploma) & Life Planner
Based at Waterside House, The Plains Totnes TQ9 5DW / [email protected]

10 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

FORINDOOR

SELF STORAGE
HOME&BUSINESS

Access 7 Days a Week

Light, Clean & Dry

CCTV Throughout

Pin Code Access

Indoor Loading S2T0Oft2R-2A0G0fEt2
Safe & Secure
U£N1I2TSFROM
per week

& DARTINGTON 01803 835777

indoorselfstorage.co.uk

Dart Mills, Babbage Road

Totnes, TQ9 5JA

OUR SPACE IS YOUR SPACE 11

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts

BA!

VOLUNTEER

C
M
Y
M
Y
Y
MY
K

_

12 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

























Florentine as a prefix on a menu, will Florentine Baked Eggs with dark lentils, harissa
almost certainly denote the presence of and tortillas
spinach in some form. It is a classic
combination with eggs. By adding the serves: 2 / Prep time: 5 min / Cooking time: 35min
lentils and tomatoes. you can turn it
into a more substantial meal. Step 1: Get yourself set up by putting a large pan of salted water on to boil
for the spinach. Peel and slice the red onions. Fry them in 1 tablespoon of
Ingredients oil in another saucepan for 5 minutes until starting to soften.
2 red onions Step 2: While the onions cook, peel and finely chop or crush the garlic
oil for frying, e.g. sunflower or clove. Add the garlic, chopped tomatoes and harissa to the onions. Lower
light olive the heat and cook gently for 10 minutes.
1 garlic clove Step 3: Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6. Meanwhile, wash the
1 tin chopped tomatoes spinach. Blanch the spinach in the boiling water for 30 seconds, or until
1 tbsp harissa wilted. Drain, return to the pan and cover in cold water to allow it to cool
400g baby spinach immediately.
1 tin dark lentils Step 4: Drain and rinse the tinned lentils. Add them to the onions along
½ pot double cream with the cream. Stir to combine and gently warm. Season with salt and
4 eggs pepper. Drain the cooled spinach and squeeze out as much water as you
25g Italian style cheese can with your hands. Spread the spinach on a chopping board and chop it
1 nutmeg roughly. Add it to the pan of lentils. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
1 pack wholemeal tortillas Step 5: Spread the lentil mix into the casserole or roasting tin. Make 4
salt and pepper equally spaced indentations in the surface and crack an egg into each one.
Cover with the Italian cheese and a grate over a light dusting of nutmeg.
Step 6: Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the whites have set but the
yolks remain just runny. The timings may vary depending on your oven so
check at regular intervals. Remove from the oven and spread the tortillas
onto the oven shelf to warm up for 1 minute.
Step 7: Divide onto 2 plates. Try and keep the eggs intact as you do so.
Finish with a few grinds of pepper. Remove the warm tortillas from the oven,
serve alongside the baked eggs to mop up all runny egg yolks and leftovers.

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 25

WATERSIDE BISTRO RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME

WILD GARLIC & WALNUT PESTO

Find more recipes at A different take on classic
watersidebistro.com pesto, I love to make
it with wild garlic and
walnuts. At this time of
year it is exciting to see
their first green shoots
appearing and I find it a
joy to get out in the fresh
air down by the stream
and pick some. Unlike
normal garlic, it is only the
fresh young leaves that are
used, not the bulbs, which
are much smaller. To me
it really feels like the first
sign that spring is here.
Daffodils are a joy….but
you can’t eat them!

Ingredients What to do
Makes approx half a litre. Wash & pick through the wild garlic leaves
Blanch them by briefly plunging them into boiling water then removing
100g Wild garlic to iced water.
100g Walnut halves Once cool squeeze out the excess water.
50g Vintage Devon Oke Toast the walnuts in the oven for a few minutes until the skins begin
375ml Rapeseed oil to crisp up. Allow them to cool then rub them between your palms to
Fresh ground black pepper remove most of the brown skin, which can be a little bitter.
to taste Now place the leaves, walnuts, grated Vintage Devon Oke and pepper
I like to keep it local by using into a food processor blitz them up.
Bell and Loxton’s fabulous Once it begins to resemble a paste begin to slowly trickle in the oil while
cold pressed rapeseed oil continuing to blitz.
which is produced just Try to get it to emulsify to a thick sauce, but don’t worry if you don’t, it
down the road from us in will still taste great and keep in the fridge for a week or two.
Kingsbridge. This delicious pesto can be served with grilled fish/chicken/ tagliatelle
with shaved Parmesan on top.

26 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

We’re super excited to re-open
our socially distanced, riverside

sunny terrace on 12th April.*

We are also delighted to announce our new opening times:
midday to 10pm, Tuesday to Saturday (excluding 12th April).

Check watersidebistro.com for updates

*Must comply with either the Rule of 6 OR be from a maximum of two households.
We are not taking any bookings so please arrive early during busy periods.

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 27

RECIPE

Asparagus, Chicken and Spinach Orzo

Preparation time: 15 minutes What to do:
Cooking time: 20 minutes Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan.
You’ll need: Season the chicken and add to the pan, frying until
4 tsp olive oil golden all over. Remove with a slotted spoon and
Salt and freshly ground black pepper set to one side.
2 chicken breasts, chopped into Add another 2 tsp olive oil to the pan and sauté the
bite sized pieces shallots and garlic for a couple of minutes, until
2 banana shallots, chopped starting to so en. Add the orzo, give it a good stir
2 cloves garlic, crushed and then add the stock. Bring to the boil, cover
200g orzo and simmer for five minutes.
100ml chicken stock Add the asparagus, put the lid back on and simmer
1 bunch asparagus, washed and trimmed for another five minutes.
and cut into pieces Add the lemon juice and zest, cooked chicken and
Zest and juice of a lemon the spinach and cook for a further few minutes
115g bag baby spinach until the chicken is cooked through and the
3 tbsp grated parmesan spinach is just wilted.
plus extra for serving Stir through the parmesan and serve with extra on
the side.

Serves
4

www.enjoyasparagus.com

28 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

ZERO

packaging
and food

waste

EXCITING OAFRFRAONZGEEN D�l� c�u�t�r t�e�e�l�e�y�o�n�s�c�m
RANGE OF READY O� t�p o�l� & v�n�g�r�
LOOSE FRESHLY- MEALS H�r�s & s�i�e� 
FROZEN FRUITS & L�o�e l�a� t�a� & l�c�l�y
VEGETABLES WE r�a�t�d c�ff�e b�a�s
DELIVER G�i�d y�u� o�n d�l�c�o�s
O�r s�o�p�a�d�s�r�e f�e�z�r� p�a�u� b�t�e�
a�l�w y�u t� t�k�a�a� i� y�u� straight to H�i� a�d b�d� c�r� r�fi�l�
your door O� t�p l�c�l h�n�y
o�n r�-�s�b�e c�n�a�n�r� M�u�h�a�e�i�g d�s�e�t�
& p�d�i�g�
F�e� c�m�o�t�b�e b�g� a�s� F�o�e� fi�h & l�c�l�y m�d�
a�a�l�b�e t� u�e d�l�c�o�s fi�h�a�e�
i� s�o�e L�r�e s�l�c�i�n o� f�o�e� f�u�t
& s�o�t�i� m�x�s
Y�u c�n fi�d u� F�e�z�r� f�l� o� v�g�t�b�e�,
n�x� t� A�N�E� p�s�r�e� & D�v�n i�e c�e�m
o� T�c�l�m�r� S�,
T�t�e� T�9 5�J F�r o�r f�l� r�n�e v�s�t
t�e�e�l�e�y�o�s�e�i�e�y�c�m

C�l� 0�9�0 2�9�5�

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 29

sLrCrrCcoaiiicoomassslsaerreeadcvoorico–––esnnschthhhhaaaeritreeevvyegCrrriiiiotrrineeezesuuni’’’nsssscssAedthhhvhssieceooobccSeogaawwwiuntnmmhinHtttgamossooofsthraaeessspporrppparnteesdoooaemstttooaicd.nndtttCehhhhniienttfeeegOhhinfmmmfcieecreera,sJeaninie

MLoocoarl,asdavyisc,e“cChoamrimtyoCnitsizceanmssAwdvei’rcee sSeoeuitnhgHaaremasbroeuptobrtosgaussatedsdteinnginkgitisn,crease in
csLcooarcomanlsaaadvcivrriucosessvcahthcaceriintryeagtCiioiotninzsesaninnscdAegdtovhiveceebrnSeomgiunetnnhitnHrgeafmoufnstdhresepoporarfntisndeaesms.aiYcdo.duCehsnihienofguOlidnffciwcreearat,csJheaninie
oMscuoatomfros,rsamacyresos,ss“saCgtohemesmraebogoniousntccasoimnrocsenwatehv’ierreubsseegfreioninmnginuagnreoufsautbhaoelueptmabnoadigleuamsdtdicer.seCtsihnseigesfkoiOtrsf,fpicheorn, eJanie
ncMouormoonrb,aesvrasiry,usas,n“vdCaoscmhcionmuaoltdinonns’tcscaalmicnksdowgnoev’areenrysnelmieneiknnsg.t Barereefuaawnbdaosrueottrbhfoaingteuysso.utYeowsutoinnsgh’tokbuietlsda, swkaetdchto
pocouarytoffnooarrvmciroeursossnvaaagvceicsriunasabtvoioaucntcscinaoanrtodiongnaovsvir–eurtsnhmefryoeamnrteurpenfruuosnvuiddasleeodmrffoainrilefarsed. edYrobeuysstshehesouoNlrHdpSwh.”oatnceh
nouutmfborerms,easnsadgsehsoaubldonu’tt ccolicroknoanviarnuys lfirnokms. uBneuaswuaarleemthaaitl yaodudrweossne’tsboer apshkoendeto
Hpnuaeymrefboaerrrecso,sraoonmndaesvghireounuselvdraancl’tcwcinaliarcntkiionongnssa–ingtynhsleintyokaslro.eBopkeroaouwvtiadfreoedr:tfhoartfyroeue bwyotnh’tebNeHaSs.k”ed to
pay for coronavirus vaccinations – they are provided for free by the NHS.”
Her•e aYreousosmusepgeectnyeoraul’rweanrontindgesailginngs wtoitlhooakreoaultcfoomr: pany – for example, if
Here atrheesroem’s enogepnoesrtal wadadrnreinsgs signs to look out for:

•• YYoouu’vseusbpeeecnt yaoskue’rde tnoottrdaneasflienrgmwoitnheay qreuaicl kcloymopr atonypa–yfoinr eaxnaumnpulseu, aifl way
• Yt–hofeourrese’usxsnapmoecpptoleys,otbauly’raeiTdnudonretesdssevaoluincghewristhoratrheraolucgohmaptarnayns–ffeorrseexravimceplliek,eif
• YMthooeunr’evee’syGbneroaepmnoaosstrkaWel adedstdoterterrnsasnUsnfieornmoney quickly or to pay in an unusual way
•• Y–Yoofouur’’vveeexbbaemeeepnnleaa,ssbkkeyeddiTttuoontgerisavnevsoafuewcrahmyeropsneoresryotqnhuaroilcuiknglfyhooramr ttaroatinposanfyeliirknesaepnravuiscnsewulsoikuredalswoary

MP– IfNoonsreeyxGarmampleo,rbWy ieTsutenrens Uvonuiocnhers or through a transfer service like
•• MYYooouun’hveeayGvberenae’mtnhaoasrdkWewdersitttoteergnnivcUeonaniwfoiranmy apteiorsnoonfawl ihnafot’rsmbaeteionnaglikreeepdasswords or
•• PYIfIoNyuos’vuethbieneknsaosmkeedthtionggiivseaaswcaamy pyeorusosnhaoluinldfohramnagtuiopntlhikeepphaosnsew,ocrlodsseotrhe
• wYPoIeNubsshiatev,eonr’tshhaudt twhreitftreonnctodnofoirrm. Nateiovenroffewelhparte’sssbuereendatgormeeadke a decision
•• YsIftoryuaoihguhatvtheainnwk’tashyo,amadnewdtrhditiontengn’tiscgoaivnsefcioramumtapytioeournssoohnfoawul hlddaetht’asainblsgeoeurnpmatghoreneepeydhuonnlee,scsloysoeu’trhee
• cwIfeeyrbtoasuiintteht,hionarktsyshooumut cethathneinftrrgounissttatdhsoecoaprm.eNrsyeoovnue.rsIhffeoyeoululpdfreheeaslsnutghrureepdatthoeenmepdahkooenraeu,dnceslaocifsseeioytnohue

cswtaernabirsgiinhtegt,a9ow9r9as.yh,uatntdhedofrno’tngt idvoeooru. tNpeevresrofneaell dperteasislsuroerdmtoonmeyakuenaledssecyiosiuo’rne
csterratiagihnttahwatayyo, uancdandotrnu’tstgitvheeopuetrpsoenrs.oIfnyaol udefetaeillsthorrematoenneedy uonr luensssayfoeuy’roeu
ccaenrtariinngth9a9t9y. ou can trust the person. If you feel threatened or unsafe you
can ring 999.
For help with online scams, contact a Citizens Advice Scams Action adviser by
calling 0808 250 5050.
For help with online scams, contact a Citizens Advice Scams Action adviser by
TFcaolrlrihnepgelo0pr8tw0ai8tsh2c5oa0nml5int0oe5A0sc. atimons,Fcroanutda,cctaall C0i3ti0z0en1s23Ad2v0i4ce0 Socravmissit Athcetiiornwaedbvsiister by
cwawlliwng.a0c8t0io8n2f5ra0u5d0.5p0o.lice.uk.
To report a scam to Action Fraud, call 0300 123 2040 or visit their website
wTowrwep.aocrttiaonscfraamudto.pAocltiicoen.uFkra. ud, call 0300 123 2040 or visit their website
www.actionfraud.police.uk.

30 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

CAR AND VAN RENTALS
www.alchemycars.co.uk

Cars and vans are available for To make a reservation and for
all essential key workers and for further details on what we are
customers that require a vehicle doing during this time to protect
for any essential journeys. our customers, visit our website.

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 31

On the road

SMpAoZrtDTAecChX-30 2.0 180ps AWD GT
By Rob Auchterlonie
@robauchy

AS an understudy to Mazda’s versions like the all wheel drive When you weigh up size
CX-5, their new CX-30 fits GT Sport Tech model sampled and pricing it’s up against
nicely into the range line- here. established popular family
up – but it’s got some tough Seats up front are both SUVs like the SEAT Ateca and
competition in the family SUV comfortable and supportive Volvo XC40, both accomplished
category. with a range of adjustment performers and well respected.
Based on the Mazda 3 from Jimmy Krankie to But the Mazda has a trick or two
hatchback, CX-30 is compact Peter Crouch, and there’s a up its exhaust, one of which is
enough in its dimensions to feel marked lack of clutter with the the Skyactiv-X version of the 2.0
easily at home around town instrumentation. There’s a large litre engines available, which
and drawing as it does on the 8.8 inch infotainment screen has low CO2 emissions but
neat styling of the 3, it certainly centrally mounted and operated develops 178bhp as against
catches the eye. Similar, but by a big round knob and a set of the same sized Skyactiv-G
ultimately very different. four buttons ideally located in with its 120bhp. Diesel
And the interior is no let down the centre console. Ahead of the rivalling economy with flexible
either. Stone leather upholstery, driver are the main dials, crisp performance.
a soft touch black dash topped and clear and with an equally Diminishing demand for diesel
by a dark brown leather finish clear heads-up display on the in the compact SUV sector
extending round to the doors screen showing the prevailing means that for UK buyers
shows what you can expect speed limit at the same time as CX-30 will be exclusively petrol
from one of the range-topping your speed. powered.

32 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

Both have mild hybrid you’ve got is a family SUV with a camera with birds eye view as
technology; the CX-30’s small fairly high level of refinement. well, keyless entry, smart alloys,
electric motor and 24-volt Available in five trim levels – SE- that windscreen projected active
lithium ion battery work L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport driving display, and a premium
together to boost efficiency and and GT Sport Tech – there are Bose sound system.
improve response at low speeds. generous standard equipment Prices start at £22,940.
Both come with a six-speed levels across the range. Excludes A distinct solid, well made feel,
manual gearbox as standard, S GT Sport Tech spec gives you and no need for any open wallet
with a six-speed automatic a pretty decent amount of toys surgery to buy one. A car you
optional. Skyactiv-X gives you to play with, notably a powered very quickly feel at home with.
the option of four-wheel drive. tail lift and a useful reversing
This model in particular seemed ©Wheelwrite.co.uk 2021
seriously surefooted, not
subjecting the occupants to the
wallowy ride you sometimes
encounter in these fair isles on
the wide variety of roads we
have to put up with. Potholes,
where you can’t avoid them, will
upset most cars (and occupants)
but the CX-30 makes a decent
fist of dealing with them without
too much discomfort or noise.
Overall, a decent environment in
which to put miles on the clock.
You’re not really aware of
external noises and the engine
is far from intrusive, so what

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts FASTFACTS:

Mazda CX-30 AWD GT
Sport Tech

Price: £32,240 (£33,230 as
tested)
Engine: 2.0 litre Skyactiv-X,
four cylinder, petrol
Power: 178bhp
Torque: 165lb/ft
Transmission: six speed
manual
Top speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 9.0 seconds
Economy: 43,5mpg
CO2 emissions: 146g/km

33

34 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

CAMPER VANS &
MOTORHOMES

GET YOUR VAN
READY FOR ITS
NEXT ADVENTURE AS
RESTRICTIONS EASE.
MOTS, REPAIRS,
SERVICING AND
DIESEL HEATER FITMENT

WE ARE OPEN TO
ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR
MOTORING NEEDS FROM

MONDAY TO FRIDAY
8:15AM TO 5:15PM

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 35

APRIL 2021

TOTNES MATTERS

NEW PLANTING AS SHOPS REOPEN

The roadmap at time of printing is for non-essential retail to reopen on
Monday 12th April... and we can't wait!

To help make the high street look more attractive and kickstart the ‘shared space’
project, we have commissioned local company LandWorks with the task to create 24
painted planters. Only 1 of these will be a metre squared and the rest will be 70cm x
40cm or 70 cm x 70 cm and all will be painted grey with a smooth blackboard on two of
the sides. We’re using a local signwriter from Ivybridge to hand paint the Totnes Council
for the Community and Visit Totnes logos as well.
The blackboards can be used as advertising

£space by various local businesses - for 100

a business can pay for a simple design which
our signwriter will create to last one year. If
you’re interested in advertising please email

Sam Branch on [email protected] and

we will see if there is a planter near you.

36 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

NEW TOWN MAINTENANCE OFFICER

We are very pleased to welcome DIARY DATES
our new Town Maintenance
All the meeting dates are on
Officer, Tom Hussey to the team at the website and keep an eye
Totnes Council. Tom is a local on Visit Totnes 'What's On' as
things start to return to normal!
family man from Totnes who has
had a varied background in 1st April at 6.30pm Extra Full
Council
building and maintenance which 12th April at 6.30pm Full Council
ties perfectly into his new role. 19th April at 6.30pm Council
Tom’s experience includes Matters
working as a local self-employed 26th April at 6.30pm Planning
builder, making indoor and Committee
outdoor climbing frames which
The offices are shut for
were distributed across the world, visitors at the moment, but
working in boat yards and in we are all working so please

carpentry maintenance as well. call 01803 862 147.
Outside of work Tom enjoys being
active outdoors with his family and
2 children, walking on Dartmoor
and has a passion for Wing Chun

Kung Fu!

Best wishes,
Catherine

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 37

Images: shutterstock.com

38 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

5 Star
day &
stay dog
care

• Stunning, private, • Highest rating
Dartmoor meadows granted by South
for your dog to Hams and West
play all day Devon Council

• Then home to • Early booking
our cosy Totnes is essential
cottage
• Simple and
• Fully insured competitive
and approved pricing

Call: 07769 554439
[email protected]

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 39

DEVON AND CORNWALL
COMMUNITY WATCH ASSOCIATION

Neighbourhood
Watch
March 2021

With the growth in the ownership It is best to avoid fields containing any live
of pet dogs and cats there stock and if you are in woodland where there
are three current news items are herds of deer the same applies as dogs
that cause concern on three have been trampled to death by deer when
different fronts! they felt threatened and owners have been
fined for deer being chased or injured by dogs
Firstly with the growing cost of running free.
purchasing a dog as a pet
(Cockerpoos at £3000 and Jack Russels at Finally flea and tick treatment has come under
£1500-2000) the criminal set have been quick the spotlight as a study at the University of
to seize the opportunity to “acquire an animal” Sussex has found toxic chemicals banned
either for onward sale or for breeding in illicit for use in agriculture since 2017/18 but still
puppy farms. Thus theft of dogs unattended licensed for use in pet treatments! These
in gardens, left to run loose on walks, or even chemicals are: Fipronil and Imidacloprid and
snatched lead and all from the owner/walker have a detrimental effect on insect and bee
has become a far more common crime! Even populations which are already in noticeable
the micro chip will not protect your pet as these decline! In samples taken from twenty rivers
are simply replaced with a new chip by the in England ninety nine percent had these
criminal! Simple measures can help protect your chemicals present in them. With over ten million
pet such as not walking any given route at any dogs and eleven million cats being treated
given time, varying your routine etc! Secondly if this puts a large amount into the environment.
you regularly walk your dog in the countryside No investigation has yet been done on these
do keep your dog under control as livestock chemical’s effects on human health.
worrying has already cause substantial costs/
damage to farmers by loss of young etc! In Should you wish to join Neighbourhood
addition cattle can be very protective of their Watch and help with the growing problems
young and perceiving your dog as a threat the police have to tackle each day please
will gather around it in a threatening fashion if contact: Roy Stephenson or Dave Leggett.
your dog is as it should be on a lead this could Email: [email protected]
include you getting surrounded!

40 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 41

Rural affairs

Livestock Worrying

Why is this important?
You are responsible for your dog. Livestock worrying is a crime and livestock that are
chased or attacked by dogs are frequently killed or injured. This has a financial and
emotional impact on all concerned and can affect the livestock long after the incident
has taken place. Action may be taken against you and your dog.

What do you need to do?
Ensure responsible dog ownership. Dogs should not be unaccompanied outside of the
home and their behaviour should be managed at all times. On access land your dog
MUST, be on a lead between the 1st of March and 31st July and at all times when
livestock is present.

How can you prevent this?
 Enjoy the countryside but keep your dog on a lead if livestock is present. Release
your dog if chased by cattle.
 Livestock worrying taking place at the time is considered an emergency dial 999
and explain there is a dog attacking livestock with a precise location.
 Livestock owners can advise dog walkers by giving clear notices advising of the
presence of livestock, Location of footpaths and appropriate fencing.
 Email [email protected] if livestock has been chased or attacked and the dogs
have left the location.
 Farmers have the right to protect their livestock. Ensure you are aware of the
legislation and your legal responsibilities.
 Anyone able to offer information relating to livestock worrying is asked to email
[email protected], call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 08007830137
 Join Devon & Cornwall Alert, Watch schemes and local social media groups so
that you can find out what is happening in your area

The Devon and Cornwall police rural affairs team have produced a calendar which highlights
rural issues throughout the year to focus problem solving activity for police, partners and
public with key messages and prevention activity.

42 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

PRINT & DESIGN SOLUTIONS

COMING PVC Banners, Stickers, Posters, Pop-Up
Banners, Magnetic Signage, & Window Vinyls
SOON!
When it comes to advertising, the best
In the new year, PDS Print will launch a investment will provide you with the
brand new online webshop! You will be able highest quality results!
to order a wide range of printed products,
all at the click of a button. The easy-to-use Wide Format printing is the perfect solution
system will allow customers to design, edit, for branding, advertising and reaching
and customise your own products before a large audience quickly and efficiently.
purchasing them (or alternatively utilise our There are countless benefits of wide format
existing Design Services)! printing for businesses and organizations
of all types, such as being more cost-
effective and increasing your brand
awareness.

www.persbiz.com/pdsprint-online/

www.pdsprint.co.uk | 01752 343491 | [email protected]

11 Kay Close, Newnham Industrial Estate,
Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 4LU

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 43

Garden advice In association with

Hellebore Heaven

Hellebores are very tolerant of but well-drained soil and the season which probably gives
most conditions and thrive in visitor can look into the you a better show of flowers
well-drained, humus-rich hanging flower from their More experienced gardeners
ground as long as it's not standpoint below. may try out the more
waterlogged. Some of the "Hellebores also look lovely challenging species, such as
hybrids are very tolerant of full with snowdrops and tete-a-tete H. x sternii, grown primarily for
sun and partial shade daffodils, or with anything that its foliage, which has greyish-
Some experienced gardeners has winter structure, such as green marbled and more spiky
have tried to grow the species, the coloured stems of leaves, although it does
including the Christmas rose, dogwoods or other twiggy produce insignificant flowers.
Helleborus niger, which is a structural shrubs A slightly tender plant, it is best
tricky one. Easier are the If you have a small garden, in a sheltered, sunny, well-
hybrids - and there's a huge just one plant will be quite big drained position and tends to
variety on offer. after two years, reaching a do well under the canopy of a
Grow them in the herbaceous spread of around one-and-a- needle conifer such as pine or
border or a winter border half feet (45cm). In larger beds cedar.
under shrubs, under you may choose to plant three A more robust plant is the H. x
hamamelis (witch hazel), to five hellebores for a big nigercors, a beautiful hybrid
which is twiggy in winter, or in impact." and an excellent evergreen
a mixed border. If the leaves Hellebores are greedy feeders producing large ivory, flattish
look tatty during the flowering and so add plenty of organic flowers with just a hint of
period, just take them off to matter before planting and green. The long-lasting
expose the bloom in its full then mulch with compost twice clusters are borne in such
glory. a year around the planting profusion that you may need
Shades of hellebores include area but not directly on to the to trim off a few leaves to see
white, claret, peach, pink, crown of the plant. all the flowers. It prefers a
green, black, dusky grape, "Some people also liquid feed sunny position in a fairly rich
slate grey, bi-colours and them during the growing soil, which is moist but free-
yellow. Most colours are draining.
available plain or spotted.
Pink, white, green and Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848
primrose are also available
with maroon blotches. The
earliest hellebores can be out
in November and the latest will
flower into April.
Although hellebores, which
can be deciduous or
evergreen, tend to only grow
to a couple of feet, they don't
need to be at the front of the
herbaceous border as there
won't be anything stealing their
thunder at this time of year.
They're ideally placed on a
slope, where they have moist

44

SOUTH HAMS

HOME AND GARDEN

AN EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN
COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF WORK IN

YOUR HOME AND GARDEN.

HOME GARDEN

• KITCHENS • DECKING
• BATHROOMS • FENCING
• JOINERY • PAVING
• PLUMBING • SHEDS
• FLOORING • TURFING/SEEDING
• TILING • GARDEN
• DOORS
• SHELVING MAINTENANCE
• FLAT PACK • PRESSURE WASHING
• CLEARANCE • TIP TRIPS
• LOG CHOPPING

Charges: £18 per hour or a free quotation
Contact Andrew Stanley

07894 538417

[email protected]

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 45

Spring into action in the garden

In Spring, the days become longer and the ground is warming up - the gardening
season starts here. Keep on top of your gardening in early Spring to help the rest of the

year run like clockwork.

Garden jobs for April... Vegetables and fruit mulch with a thick layer of pine
needles
General garden jobs If you have already done your
winter digging, you should Cut Autumn fruiting
Spring clean the garden – only need to make final
preparations to get the soil raspberries down to just above
fork over the soil in borders, ready for sowing. Hoe off any ground level
weed and apply a mulch weeds, take out any stones or
bits of old roots and rubbish, Plant rhubarb, fruit trees and
Remove weeds, but don’t put sprinkle a light coating of
general-purpose organic bushes and strawberry plants
them in the compost bin fertiliser over the area, and
Clear moss and algae from rake the surface down, leaving Water pot-grown fruit
paths, patios and driveways a seedbed the texture of cake
with a pressure washer or crumbs. Wildlife
path and patio cleaner Now you are ready to plant,
Fix or replace fences but don’t be tempted to fill up Continue to feed garden
damaged from the devastating the vegetable garden all at
February storms. once. There are only a few birds and attract different birds
things you can sow or plant with different types of bird food
Lawns this soon and if the weather is Make sure that you provide
still chilly you will need to clean drinking water for birds
If the ground is dry enough cover early crops with some with a bird bath. This is
horticultural fleece for especially important during
you can do your first lawn cut protection. cold weather, when many
of the year. Mow the grass on You can start planting broad water sources may be frozen
a high-cut setting to keep the beans, parsnips, spinach,
lawn looking tidy but don’t turnips, radishes and early Bees are starting to emerge
attempt to do this if the ground varieties of carrots outside
is frozen or soft underfoot from their winter homes and
Courgettes, chillies and looking for new places to nest.
If the weather is mild, you Make sure your garden is bee
tomatoes can be sown friendly by sowing or planting
can feed the lawn after its first undercover in a greenhouse out plants with the RHS
cut Early peas, summer Perfect for Pollinators logo on
Redefine lawn edges along cauliflower and lettuce can be
borders and paths using a sown outside under Have some fun by building a
lawn edging iron or edging horticultural fleece bee B&B
shears
Lay new turf before the Start sowing tender herbs In ponds, feed fish if weather
weather turns warm and dry is warm and fish are active
indoors

Water any pot grown fruit

such as plums, peaches or
olives, remember to protect
blossom from frost
Feed your blueberry plants
with ericaceous fertiliser and

46 Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

Garden Centre Free Local

Open Daily 10am-4pm Delivery

Compost and Bulbs For orders over £20

Call or shop online
using code ‘LOCAL’

Grown Your Own Veg 47

Visit and shop online longcombecross.co.uk

Find us Longcombe Cross, Totnes Road, Totnes TQ9 6PL Call us 01803 863098 Follow us

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts

The Meandering
Naturalist

In search of the
first signs of Spring

by COLIN HAIR

Feeding and watching our female incubates. They have two or three
garden or local birds has broods each year. Unfortunately nine out of
provided much solace this last ten breeding attempts ends in failure.
twelve months. I was particularly
pleased to see my female blackbird Their food consists of a mixture of berries,
fill her beak with dried leaves recently insects, caterpillars and earthworms which
and fly off towards her nest. Spring is they can hear moving through the soil. My
here at last! photograph was taken at Dartington Hall
where they are common and accustomed
In the early nineteenth century blackbirds to visitors which makes them quite
were a largely reclusive forest dwelling approachable. During the months of April
species. However over time they have and May they fill the air with their beautiful
moved into our gardens and parks with song. In the spring the male becomes more
greater breeding density, more aggressive black and the beak and ring around the
social interaction and longer life spans. eyes becomes a more intense yellow. The
There are about five million breeding pairs female is actually dark brown with a lighter
in the United Kingdom but that number is coloured chest.
greatly increased in winter with between
ten and fifteen million birds migrating from The blackbirds in my garden are quite shy
Scandinavia and the Baltic States. and they are on constant alert to attack by
sparrow hawks. Our garden birds appear to
They are one of the earliest species to begin sound alarm calls when hawks are nearby
breeding each year, laying three and five and they quickly fly into cover, only appearing
greenish blue and speckled eggs which the once the threat has passed. Since the 1970’s
their population has fallen by a third, with the
48 rural population worst affected.

Watch and enjoy our wildlife this spring as
we begin to come out of lockdown.

Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848

BCSiaenrrdpvieinctge

Tel: 01803 866450

Find us: Unit 1, The Alpha Centre,
Babbage Road, Totnes Industrial Estate,

Totnes, TQ9 5JA
Web: www.carpetwise.biz Email: [email protected]

Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 49

Volunteer in the garden with Incredible Edible

.

From March 29th the 'rule of six'
will apply again so that means
Incredible Edible can re-start its
regular outdoor volunteer
sessions. Hurray! Please check
out the TTT website for events and
come and join in.

For the last fourteen years, No regular commitment is
Incredible Edible has been expected; just turn up when you
creating edible community feel like it. We supply all the tools
gardens and orchards for – but please bring your own work
everyone in Totnes to enjoy and gloves and snacks. We will be
harvest from. The group currently practicing social distancing and
maintains gardens at Steamer working in groups of six per
Quay and Borough Park, as well government guidance. Everyone is
as caring for fruit and nut trees in welcome- we can’t wait to be able
Bridgetown and Follaton. to hang out with you (safely) in the
gardens in the spring sunshine!
Over the winter we have been
running socially distanced tree For more information please visit
planting sessions throughout transitiontowntotnes.org/events
Bridgetown and Follaton
Arboretum, in line with Covid Advertise from just £20 per month* | Call 07875 538 848
restrictions. A big thank you to
everyone who helped out, it was
great to see you! Also thanks to
the organisers of the ‘Show the
Love’ concert back in 2020, who
provided funding for the trees.

50