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Category Archives: News
Suthering in concert at Brentor Village Hall
On 17 September 2022 at 7.30pm.
Suthering, meaning ‘the sound of the wind through the trees or wind under a birds wing’, combines the musical talents of Julu Irvine and Heg Brignall. A couple in life and in music, the duo have taken the folk scene by storm with their unusual and fresh approach to folk. Julu and Heg are true story-tellers who champion female characters, creating new narratives for women and unearthing the female heroines of folk. Continue reading Suthering in concert at Brentor Village Hall
Help reduce the risk of wild fires during dry weather
With the very dry weather, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue has issued a warning about the risk of wild fires, and are asking people to help prevent them occuring.
Dartmoor National Park Authority has also introduced a temporary ban on open fires and barbeques on all common land within the National Park.
They’re urging people who plan to spend time in the National Park to be extremely vigilant to the increased risk of fires. Continue reading Help reduce the risk of wild fires during dry weather
My Place, My Views
West Devon Borough Council, South Hams District Council and Plymouth City Council have launched a new consultation asking local residents what they like about their neighbourhood and what could be improved. My Place, My Views consists of a simple survey and interactive map, which asks people how they feel about:
- Their local facilities, services and open spaces
- The types of places they like most and why
- Using online services.
- The places they would like to see change in the next five to ten years.
Picture of the month
This mystery photo has been sent to our website by Sue Swanborough. She acquired it recently but so far has had no success in locating where it was taken.
The reverse of the photograph is inscribed ‘St Barbara, Brentor, Devon, August 1932’, but no house called St Barbara is listed in local censuses.
If you recognise where this photo was taken please contact the editor at editor@brentorvillage.org.
You can see all the past pictures of the month by clicking here.
The Growing Communities fund
The Growing Communities Fund has just been launched by Devon County Council and is intended to support proactive, effective, measurable, and sustainable actions to enable individuals and communities to build self-reliance and community resilience, reduce food and fuel inequalities and improve mental health and wellbeing and respond to the climate emergency.
A wide range of groups and organisations can apply including ‘host’ organisations. The Growing Communities Fund will provide grant awards of between £500-£1000 and £1000-£3,000 (though we will enter discussions with applicants who have exemplary or innovative projects). The grants of between £1,000 and £3,000 will be reimbursed upon receipt of an end of project report outlining what the funds paid for and the impact and outcomes. Continue reading The Growing Communities fund
Devon’s best young landscape artist competition
More details can be viewed on the website: www.cpredevon.org.uk/my-outdoors-painting
Come on you Brentor singers!
You too can sing the Hallelujah Chorus!
Always wanted to but never have? Now is your chance. Come along to Mount Kelly on Thursday 8 September 2022 at 7.30 p.m. in The Big School, Mount Kelly, Parkwood Road Tavistock. Join the Mount Kelly Choral Society at a special,open door “come and sing” event and sing The Hallelujah Chorus. Score provided and refreshments will be available. Continue reading Come on you Brentor singers!
Cost of Living payments
Millions of people on means-tested benefits are receiving the first of two cost of living instalments totalling £650 from 14 July 2022, as part of a £37 billion government package to help families with cost of living pressures.
The first £326 instalment for qualifying low-income households in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by their usual payment method continue to the end of the month. For those eligible, the rest will follow in a second instalment in the autumn. Continue reading Cost of Living payments
Brenstock – what a day!
Brentor Car Park charging proposal
A site meeting about the proposed introduction of charges at Brentor Church car park was held on Monday 18th July. It was attended by Andrew Watson (Estates Officer) and Richard Drysdale (Communities Officer) of Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA), Helen Harris, Rob Harris and Christopher Pancheri from Brentor PCC, Gary Hunt (Chairman of Brentor Parish Council (BCC), Terry Pearce of WDBC and BCC, and two other councillors from Brentor Parish Council, Caroline Mott , and Philip Sanders representing Devon County Council (DCC) and DNPA. Carol and Colin Sergant represented the bell ringers.
Richard Drysdale explained that DNPA is under pressure to reduce outgoings and maximise income and has therefore (following a review of assets) decided to ask Devon County Council to apply on their behalf for TRO off-street parking orders for a number of their car parks, to allow charging for parking. They propose charging every day including Sundays 10am-6pm, and no vehicle may return within 1 hour: motorcycles would be free, disabled persons vehicle all day £2, minibuses all day £5, and all other vehicles up to 3 hours £2, over 3 hours £3. Continue reading Brentor Car Park charging proposal
Brenstock tee-shirt sale
Free, energy efficiency home improvements
Lower-income households invited to apply for free energy efficiency home improvements
If you have a household income of less than £30,000 a year, and live in Devon or Torbay, you may be eligible for free energy efficiency improvements to your home worth thousands of pounds.
From this week you can check your eligibility and apply through the Cosy Devon website. Continue reading Free, energy efficiency home improvements
USO Broadband survey
Full Fibre to the Property Broadband has now arrived in Brentor village. Unfortunately only a relatively small proportion of properties in Brentor are able to make use of this facility, the majority still need alternative methods with poor speed and/or reliability/cost issues.
Free digital skills sessions at Brentor Village Hall
Report the Asian hornet!
Vespa velutina, known as the ‘Asian hornet’ or ‘yellow-legged hornet’ is an invasive species from Asia. If you find one you MUST report it. The species arrived in France in 2004 and has spread rapidly. As a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and other beneficial species, it can cause big losses to bee colonies, other native species and potentially ecosystems. We have several beekeepers in Brentor who would appreciate your help in preventing this species from spreading.
Car boot sales at the playing field
Brentor Village Hall and Playing Field Committee are once again organising a full programme of car boot sales throughout the summer.
For more information please contact Ness Donoghue – tel 07706 972906 or email belarusness@hotmail.com.
Cattle on the moor – take care!

Cattle are back on Gibbett Hill, so if you are walking take care. In past years walkers with dogs have been attacked by the highland cattle, especially when calves are present. You are particularly advised not to walk between the cattle. Several local footpaths go through fields used to graze cows, so take care on these too. Continue reading Cattle on the moor – take care!
Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal – local donations
Millions of people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine. Leaving behind jobs, belongings and loved ones, they now face an uncertain future.
Local individuals and organisations have been raising funds and giving support to the appeal to support the people of Ukraine……… Continue reading Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal – local donations
Grants of up to £500 for community wildlife projects
The independent charity Devon Communities Together (DCT) has announced the launch of a new Community Wildlife Grant scheme, which has been developed by the Devon Local Nature Partnership (DLNP) to provide small grants of up to £500 to community wildlife projects.
Applications are open to parish and town councils, community groups and community partnerships that wish to fund initiatives that will benefit local wildlife. Continue reading Grants of up to £500 for community wildlife projects
Calendar of local events
Brentor Friends of the Field
COVID-19 latest information
The government is removing remaining domestic restrictions in England. There are still steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19:
- Get vaccinated
- Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside
- Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
- Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, and stay at home if positive
Click here to go to the government Covid-19 web pages