News From April 2019

Tom Greeves steps down as Chairman of The Dartmoor Society after 21 years

Posted in Press Releases on Sunday 28th April 2019 at 10:03pm

After 21 years at the helm, founder and chairman of the Dartmoor Society Tom Greeves presided over his last Dartmoor Society AGM at Scorriton Village Hall on 13th April. Members and well-wishers gathered for a heartfelt farewell to both Tom and his wife Lis.

Peter Beacham OBE, President of the Dartmoor Society, presented Tom with a specially commissioned Tin Ingot made from Devon and Cornwall tin mounted on locally harvested spalted Beech; and a Platter that had been commissioned from local potter Joss Hibbs using Dartmoor clays and glazes.

In a letter of thanks Tom wrote, ‘I am thrilled to have both...as they reflect so much of my connection with, and interests in Dartmoor – prehistory, tinworking, craft skills and the Dartmoor Society itself’.

No mention of Tom would be complete without reference to his wife Lis who is held in great esteem by the committee and members for her knowledge and enthusiasm for Dartmoor and her huge contribution to the smooth running of the Dartmoor Society. She will be very genuinely missed.

After 21 busy and successful years Tom and Lis leave a permanent legacy. From the outset, the Dartmoor Society has been an independent voice for all those who live on Dartmoor, or are inspired by it. Its founding principles have been to encourage debate, foster research and share knowledge about issues central to Dartmoor.

The Dartmoor Resonance Music Festival in June 2018 spearheaded by Tom, is an example of the Dartmoor Society’s cultural contribution to the life of Dartmoor. Events and research such as the Gidleigh Common Day and resulting report in July 2018, attest to the wider involvement of the Dartmoor Society in current issues and debates.

Tom’s lifelong interest, understanding and love of Dartmoor has informed and guided the Dartmoor Society over the past 21 years. President Peter Beecham summed up his leaving as ‘one of life’s great moments’ and certainly the Dartmoor Society acknowledges with sincere gratitude the firm foundations that have been laid and the achievements gained, under his guidance, since its inception in 1998.

22nd Dartmoor Society Award (2019) presented to Doug and Claire King-Smith

Posted in Press Releases on Sunday 28th April 2019 at 9:38pm

At the 21st Annual General Meeting of The Dartmoor Society, held at Scoriton on 13 April 2019, Dr Tom Greeves, retiring Chairman of The Dartmoor Society, presented Doug and Claire King-Smith with the 22nd Dartmoor Society Award (2019). It is in the form of a magnificent hand-crafted ceramic plate made by potter Penny Simpson and calligrapher Michael Edwards, both of Moretonhampstead.

The plate is inscribed ‘for Doug & Claire King-Smith for exemplary Hillyfield’.

Dr Tom Greeves said: “We had a Society visit to Hillyfield in May 2018 – a quiet mix of ancient and coniferous woodland and pasture, comprising 46 acres straddling the Harbourne river between South Brent and Dean Prior. All were hugely impressed with the dedication and achievements of Doug, Claire and their helpers in revitalising the ecology and potential of this woodland. Yet, for six years Dartmoor National Park Authority resisted their efforts to obtain planning permission for activities and structures associated with traditional woodland management, claiming that they were potentially harmful to the ‘character and appearance’ of the National Park.

“Happily, in April 2018, at an appeal hearing at which the Dartmoor Society was represented, the National Park backed down and Doug and Claire’s long-term plans are now in progress.
Hillyfield Woodland is an inspiration for all woodland owners, as it marries traditional, sustainable working practice, generating useful products and income, as carried on for centuries within Dartmoor woodland, with modern ideas about community and volunteer connection with the land, enhancing local economic and social well-being. It is an outstanding example of what could be replicated many times on Dartmoor and beyond.

“This is why I am delighted to present them with this beautiful plate handcrafted by Penny Simpson and Michael Edwards, and inscribed ‘for exemplary Hillyfield’.”

Higher Uppacott Visit

Posted in Events on Saturday 13th April 2019 at 7:04am

Two visits instead of one! This was the situation on Wednesday 27th March 2019 when we visited the newly restored Higher Uppacott Grade I listed Medieval Longhouse.

The original visit was timed for 2pm, however due to a large number of Members wishing to attend, the DNPA kindly agreed to provide a second tour scheduled in the morning at 11.30. The weather was perfect and the views from Bel Tor Corner Car Park where we were all meeting to do car sharing were superb.

The restoration of the Longhouse is very much a work in progress and these improvements have been funded by the “Moor Than Meets The Eye” heritage lottery project.

Our guide Ralph Mackridge was extremely knowledgeable and escorted us into the “Shippon,” and through the “Hall”, into what is described as “the inner room”. We also saw the “Parlour” and after being split into two groups we made our way up the much later constructed staircase to a couple of upstairs rooms which would have been primarily used as bedrooms. It was a truly fascinating and very informative day.