Next date for WDBC Street sweeping lorry in our area
12th January 2012
To achieve the best result from this service please try to keep your vehicles off the highway to allow the lorry to clean right up to the kerbs.
Thank-you

South Tawton Parish Council has yet again had to dig into its precept to repair vandalism of the toilets in the recreation ground in South Zeal. The damage forced the closure of the toilets for several days while repairs were undertaken. The toilets were therefore not available to local people using the recreation ground and visitors to the area who use the village as a starting point for moor walking.

Unfortunately it appears that the damage was caused by local youngsters on Saturday 19 November between the time that the toilets were checked, early in the morning that day, and 3.30pm when the damage was discovered.

The money to run these toilets comes directly from everyone in the parish in the precept which is paid as part of our council tax, and already runs to 20% of the total precept received. The cost of the repairs will need to be taken from other planned projects for the parish and it may be a local cause that we cannot support because of diverting funds for these repairs.

The council asks all parents of children who visit the recreation ground to please take a few minutes with them to explain the consequences of vandalism to any property. Council will take action to recover costs from the individuals, parents or guardians with the support of the police.

South Tawton Bellringers are looking for new people to learn the wonderful art of Bellringing. We could do with about 10 or 12 new strong and healthy recruits over a period of time. It would be great to train up a youthful competition team, (15yrs+ ) to take on from us oldies, but ringing is primarily for calling people to Church for Sunday Services, Weddings, Festivals, Local events and the occasional muffled peal in rememberance of someone. Competitions are a bonus and help to keep the standard of ringing high, but not everyone wants to enter into competitive aspect and we respect this.We do need commitment, punctuality and the ability to work as a team.
Practice evenings are usually Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. But at present we are so few that we are sharing with Throwleigh on alternate Mondays/Tuesdays. We are challenging the youth of South Tawton parish and area to be that new team that sees the bellringing tradition carried on when we are no longer able to ring. More mature new recruits are also welcome.
Please don't let these lovely bells become a silent memory. If you are interested in finding out if this sport is for you, please contact John Cooper (Captain) on 01837 89010 or Nora Bertram on 01837 840671 and nora@lazydaysno1.fsnet.co.uk
Thank you, N Bertram.

Ok those of you who have frequented these pages before will no doubt have the definite lack
of updates.Well moves are afoot to change all this and a new look Beacon Villages website should be launched before Xmas so watch this space for more news.

A vast majority of callers to your door will be genuine people from reputable companies however, bogus callers have always been an issue, especially in targeting the vulnerable and with your help we can stop them.

What is a Bogus Caller?
Bogus callers at your door will pretend to be any one of a number of authentic callers. They may claim to be officials from the council, service companies, health authority or other organisations. They may also pretend to be genuine dealers or salespeople. They may impersonate workmen and say that they need to come in to check something or make urgent repairs. Even young children and women may be used to gain your trust and entry to your home.

These types of bogus caller all want to steal from you, trick you, or overcharge you for work that they do. Therefore it is very important to make sure any callers to your home are genuine.

How to check that callers are genuine – STOP – CHAIN – CHECK!
Here is some simple advice to follow to help you make sure that your caller is not a bogus caller.

STOP – Think before you open your door. Are you expecting anyone? Do they have an appointment? If you can, look/talk to them through your door or a window.
CHAIN – Secure the door bar or chain before opening the door.
CHECK – Ask the caller for proof of identity or identity card. Check it carefully, but keep the chain on.

If the caller doesn’t have an appointment, tell them to wait outside while you ring their office to confirm their identity.
Use the number from the phone book and not a number on any ID card provided by the caller. If the caller is legitimate then you can ask them to call back when you have a friend or family member with you. Remember - a genuine caller will not mind if you check.
If you have any suspicions at all – do not let the caller into your home. If you think you may be at risk then call the Police – dial 999.

Remember – If in doubt, keep them out.

Protect those most at risk
Unfortunately, those at greatest risk from a bogus caller are the most vulnerable in our communities. That is what makes bogus caller crime such a despicable offence.

You can help prevent bogus callers from operating in your area by looking out for potential victims and protecting them. If you suspect bogus callers are operating in your area then contact your local Police by dialling 101 or call Crimestoppers to report information on criminal activities by dialling 0800 555111



If you have any questions with regards to this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards
PCSO 30548 Rebecca Tolley
Okehampton Police Station
Exeter Road
Okehampton
EX20 1NN