‘What’s 1 Degree to Me?’ Shadow puppetry workshop
Saturday 14 March 2020 from 10.30am – 4.00pm
Meadowbrook Community Centre, Dartington. 

This free, fun, informative, creative workshop led by Kate Stubbs from Light Bulb Fantastic, is for adults and children to learn what climate change is, its causes, effects and what we can try to do about it and explore misconceptions that participants may have about global warming.  Participants will create their own shadow puppets and shadow puppetry scenes in small teams, which they can perform to each other and video on their phones to share with friends or on social media. Light Bulb Fantastic is delighted to be co-presenting this event with environmental specialist Rachel Laila Rafiqi.
NB. Designed for adults and accompanied children over 8, the event is free, but places are limited to 20, so booking in advance is essential. To book, email or telephone 07977 777 869. See: www.lightbulbfantastic.com/our-news/whats-1-degree-to-me.

Climate Fair in South Brent Village Hall.
Saturday 18 April 2020
11.00am to 5.00pm
The purpose of the Climate Fair is to offer a fun day out which will engage, inspire and inform people and communities about how we can do our bit to help reduce waste, cut emissions, restore our countryside, support a thriving local community, save energy and lower our bills. We are inviting projects, businesses, charities to participate, focusing around the around the ‘EFFECTS’ themes of Environment, Food, Fashion, Energy, Construction, Travel and Social. There will be stalls, demonstrations, including ‘Dr Bike’ -free bike check, energy saving/cost-cutting advice, T-shirt drop-in workshop, and other activities & events, plus music, a local producers’ mini-market and a café with delicious, seasonal food. We hope you will join us for a great day out and find out what positive ‘EFFECTS’ can you have. There will be a minibus tours of local innovations and a free ‘Park & Ride’ from Palstone Park Recreation Ground, South Brent and Rattery Village Hall. Volunteers will be needed to help before, during and after the event.
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Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service covering South Devon and Torbay require volunteers.
Marie Curie provide Dementia Befriending service covering South Devon and Torbay and are currently recruiting volunteers. We’re looking for friendly and reliable volunteers to support people living with dementia, their families and carers. As a volunteer you will take on a number of simple yet crucial tasks that will make a huge difference, this could be in a family’s home, a care home or out in the community. You will provide one-to-one companionship and support, offer a listening ear, and spend time engaging in everyday conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. We will provide you with all the training you need so you can take on the role confidently. If you can spare a few hours per week and would like to support someone living with dementia please call 0800 304 7400 to find out more about the role and how to apply.

Funding available to homeowners and landlords for home improvements
South Hams District Council would like to make residents aware of funding that is available to make improvements to homes across the district.
Homeowners and landlords can apply for a loan to make improvements to their homes.  Essential home repairs such as a replacement boiler, new windows and doors, roof repairs (including thatch), plumbing, heating or electrical works and even structural repairs are included under the scheme.
Everyone receives the same interest rate, whether you borrow £1,000 or £15,000 and no matter what your circumstances or credit score.  You can choose your own contractor and there are a variety of loan products available to suit individual needs*.
The scheme is delivered through Wessex Resolutions CIC, a not-for-profit lender that works in close partnership with the council.  Established in 2003, Wessex Resolutions has helped many homeowners throughout the South West, lending almost £13.6 million. 
A recent client said "I had no idea the scheme existed until I contacted the Council. When my adviser visited me and explained everything perfectly it was a huge burden lifted from me – loan repayments that I can afford and the efficiency with which it was all arranged. I am truly grateful to all concerned.”
For more information, telephone Wessex Resolutions on 01823 461099, visit website or email (*subject to eligibility)

Devon Air Ambulance
The Devon Air Ambulance needs a community of volunteers to keep our 19 charity shops open and helicopters flying. Could you occasionally spare an hour or two to help your local shop? You do not have to have any previous retail experience as we offer friendly support, training and encouragement. This opportunity would suit anyone who may like to get out of the house, make new friends and do something worthwhile, all while having fun! To find out where your nearest shop is and how you can help. Please contact our Volunteer Manager Cara Jones by calling 01392 466666 or email for more information.

Would you like to receive fresh, organic produce grown at your local community farm?

School Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is now open to new members.  School Farm CSA is a unique organic market garden run by four women growers on the Dartington Estate.  For the past two years we have been supplying our local community with fresh, organic, local produce and this year we will be doubling our food production, meaning we can open our gates to new members.
CSA members get an array of seasonal, freshly picked produce, whilst supporting ecological farming practices and local livelihoods.  A share of the produce contains a range of freshly harvested vegetables and some fruit (roughly 5-10 items per week).  A share is designed to feed a household of two adults per week, or a larger family that don’t cook every day. 
Members also receive a monthly CSA newsletter with recipes and farm updates, and are invited to attend events, volunteer days and courses at the farm.  We aim to supply a weekly box of vegetables from June through to January, weather permitting.  You can pick up your vegetables in Totnes, Bridgetown or on the Dartington Hall Estate.  For more information please email Jenny or visit our website

A message from Tracey Weaver, Dog Warden. SHDC

“I wish all dog owners in the South Hams, the very best for Christmas 2014, thank you to those of you who support my work in the area.

Please remember that a “Dog is for life, not just for Christmas”. Please do not buy a puppy as a Christmas gift unless you fully understand the responsibilities which they come with –

And then hopefully you will have a lifetime of playful interaction, a  lot of fun, and the best friend ever!

If you are keen on getting a dog, please consider  rescuing one from a re-homing centre, but make sure that you know as much about him as possible, and that he is the right one for you, your home and your family, there is nothing worse for the dog than being moved from one owner to another and another.

Tracey Weaver, Dog Warden. SHDC