Bovey Beats Most Of The Summer Weather

SUMMER IN MILL MARSH PARK

Our summer events in Bovey Tracey have by and large beaten the (mostly) horrendous weather we’ve had this year. We started with the Craft Fair in June. Once again this had terrific attendances, with many stunning exhibits on show, and loads to keep the youngsters interested and occupied. The French market inFore Streetadded to the atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Unfortunately the success of the Craft Fair coupled with the terrible weather meant that most ofMillMarshParkbecame unusable for over a month as it dried out and grass was allowed to re-grow. Even the waste skips were unable to be collected there and in Bullands Field, for which the Craft Fair has apologised. While the Town Council is very reluctant to close the park to events, the Vintage Car Rally’s visit had to be cancelled, although it is hoped that it will return next year.

Next came the Picnic in the Park, organised by the new carnival committee, which, after much careful consideration, it was agreed could proceed inMillMarshParkas planned. This was packed out with families throughout the day culminating with live music in the evening. This was a super event for the town, and the whole committee is to be congratulated on its success. This has been followed up with a full programme of events over carnival week, from the Funday Fête with the Fun Fair, to the traditional Carnival procession and fireworks on the final weekend. Macmillans also added to the celebrations with stalls and activities in the park on the final Saturday.

The Bovey Tracey Horticultural Show finishes off the outdoor summer activities in Parke Meadow but due to the copy deadline from the editor, I’m unable at this time to report on its fate as regards the unpredictable weather. But hopefully you will have attended it and know!

LIZ WESTWOOD – A PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT

Along with many other Bovey residents, my wife and I were privileged to attend a very special event held fittingly at the Bovey Heritage Centre in early August. This was for the launch of a book all about the modern history of Bovey Tracey and Heathfield, containing a collection of postcard images showing people and places from the town from the late nineteenth century and subsequent decades. It gives a fascinating insight into how the place has changed over that period, and will be a valuable addition to the archives for future generations. Liz has obviously spent much time and care researching and collecting for the book, and is to be thanked for this marvellous contribution to our understanding of the history and heritage that has been passed down to us. I can strongly recommend the book “Bovey Tracey Rediscovered” to you all. It is available initially at the Heritage Centre, the Bovey Tracey Information Centre,Arnolds, and the Fruit shop (opposite the Town Hall), for a RRP of just £9.95. Other local outlets are expected to be added shortly.

Liz, you can be proud of what you’ve done for Bovey Tracey with the book and in being our champion of Fairtrade, both of which are widely appreciated and lasting achievements for our community. Well done and thank you.

THE OLYMPICS

What more can one say about this fabulous event held in our country, with the amazing successes of our athletes, the fantastic involvement of so many volunteers, and the highest standards of the Olympic venues? HopefullyBritainwill have made many friends all over the world and earned genuine and deserved respect for the organisation and achievements shown. Brilliant indeed, very uplifting, something the whole nation can feel very proud of.

TOWN COUNCIL BY-ELECTION

It was very pleasing to see that three people stood in the by-election to Bovey Town Council caused by the retirement of Cllr Fernley Holmes. You might have thought that the constant criticism of the council over recent months might have put people off, but no, three excellent candidates put their names forward. There was a well attended hustings held in the Town Hall, where all three acquitted themselves really well. I felt all of them would have made excellent councillors because of their involvement in and concern about Bovey Tracey, its residents and businesses. There could only be one winner, and Steven Leigh has become our new Town Councillor. I’m sure he will play a positive role on behalf of us all.

POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONERS

The election for Commissioners to replace the current Police Authorities is creeping up on us, and will be held by public ballot on Thursday 15^th November. I find myself totally against the concept of electing people to lead the public police service, and even more so when they are following political lines. Countries where the police serve political masters are generally those that we in this country tend to regard as undemocratic, dictatorial and/or totalitarian. In my view, the police service needs to be independent of politicians in order to be seen to be impartial and above political intrigue and persuasion (have we not learned this from the Leverson enquiry?). In the cause of public confidence, it has to be seen to be working for all parts of society across the whole country at all times, which is why I personally feel very strongly about it.   

TRANSPORT MATTERS

Since I last wrote about this, I was very interested to read that the government has decided to allow local communities and neighbourhoods more power in deciding whether lower speed limits should be applied to their areas without the blocking bureaucracy often applied by the Highways departments of local authorities. According to a study by the Transport Research Laboratory, 20 mph limits cut child pedestrian accidents by 70 per cent. They also say that half of people hit by a car at 30 mph will die, but only 10 percent at 20 mph. I’m aware that there are spots in Bovey Tracey and the surrounding villages (including Moretonhampstead) where 20 mph speed zones would be popular, so this is a development I’m sure we will hear more about. However, those keen to see progress with this need to organise themselves, otherwise it will just remain an item on a wish list. When children in Bovey Tracey were quizzed by Teignbridge Council about what they liked and disliked about the town, speeding traffic was a top dislike. I think they’re telling us something we should listen carefully to here, don’t you?

Tony Allen is a Bovey Tracey Town Councillor & Leader of the Bovey Neighbourhood Watch Forum. This column is written in a personal capacity and not on behalf of any particular group or organisation.

Other columns by Tony Allen