SW-Region-Page
Welcome to SW Region
Contacting SW Region
Details of how to contact officers are available in Signals
or please write to us at our e-mail address
(Please note: we suspect that trying a direct e-mail by clicking directly on the blue address above does not work consistently, especially if you have Vista. Therefore we would ask that you communicate by using the address through your own e-mail.
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INVITATION
The next SWTARS committee meeting will be held at 10.30am on Monday 13 September near Exeter.
Any member is welcome to attend. A pub lunch will be taken and we hope to finalize the programme of events for 2011.
If you wish to do come, you will find a relaxed atmosphere and be among friends.
Contact Pippa on swtars@hotmail.co.uk
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Messing about on the Tamar
Okeltor Boathouse, Calstock
Saturday August 21st
This summer, David and Jill Lane invite us back to their boathouse at Okeltor, which is on the Cornish side of the upper tidal reaches of the river Tamar, near Calstock. It’s a beautiful place and ideal for TARS!
Since our last visit we hear there have been various developments at the boathouse, which has been extended to include a holiday flat, running water and toilets. The fleet has grown, the latest addition being a 17 foot Canadian canoe built in 1912. Everyone will have the opportunity to go on a boat and to explore the local area. Boats include Susan, Peggy and Louisa. Bring your own grub, including food for a barbecue.
There is room for a few tents at Okeltor, so some of us can camp there overnight. Please let us know if you hope to come and we can then send you directions and more information about the day. Phone 01803-313510 or email swtars@hotmail.co.uk.
Swallowdale on Exmoor 3 July 2010
The day on Exmoor was blessed with fine weather and another good turn-out of Tars. The woodland, which was the centre of attention, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest providing a natural habitat for numerous species of birds, insects and plant life.
Progress was sustained by the regular intake of wine gums and other sweets, it being too hot for chocolate! Porlock Weir provided the essential boating experience and a view of Wales. The cream tea finale materialised in Horner village which everyone felt obliged to eat!
Thanks to Di Osborn and the manager from the Holnicote Estate (NT) for the organisation.
IAGM at Oban. 28-31May
The following SW members represented the region at the successful IAGM in Oban:-
John and Joan Tylecote; Derek Parkinson and Pat Glover; Tony Page; Derek and Nora Fawcett; Alan Goodwin and Heather Woodland; David Middleton; Yvonne Varley and John Hunwicks.
A full account of proceedings at the meeting will appear in Ship’s Log in the August edition of Signals. However a big THANK YOU to the Scotland Region for their hospitality.
After Oban a group of 16 Tars (including Derek, Nora, John and Yvonne) visited the Isle of Lewis and explored some of the places AR fished and locations he featured in Great Northern? Again an account of this visit will appear in Signals, but I can reveal that, with the help of Scottish Region’s Malcolm Porteous and his telescope, a Great Northern Diver was seen.
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Dartmoor in February
Thanks to John for leading and Daniel for the picture.
It was chilly but another brilliant day.
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Tisbury and Manor Farm at Hatch - 6th March 2010
The weather was cold but dry as 25 assorted TARS (South, South-West and a Midlander) gathered at Tisbury station to walk to Manor Farm.
The Farm is now owned by the Flowers family who welcomed us to their garden and a glimpse of Arthur’s one-time study.
In return for their friendship and hospitality we presented them with a copy of Ted Alexander’s Ransome at Home.
Fortified by tea/coffee, chocolate biscuits and flapjack of the highest quality, the gallant band yomped their way back to Tisbury where, at the Hindon Hall, they forced down yet more iron rations of pemmican, baked beans and jacket potatoes followed by cake, interrupted only by Tarry conversation.
Yvonne did her illustrated talk about Arthur’s time at Tisbury. Special thanks to her for all her work in organising the day.
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The GWR experience at Steam in Swindon
24th April 2010
Thirty one members and friends of various ages (although all young at heart) met in the pleasant surroundings of The National Trust HQ cafe for lunch and chat.
Suitably fortified we invaded Steam (this is the actual name of the museum).
After an introductory talk given by David Watton from the museum staff we went off to explore the world of the steam train, brilliantly recreated on the very site of Swindon's once gloriously productive workshops.
Special congratulations to Jessica (and her mum) for covering the entire museum and completing the question sheet. Dick would have been very proud to have her as an honorary sister.
Look out for full report and pictures in next Signals.
Meanwhile thanks to Roger and Sharon Osborne, Pat Glover, Derek Parkinson and (as ever) Pippa, for organising the event.
Also appreciation and thanks to the staff at both National Trust and the Museum for all their help and care.
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SW Events 2010/11
21st August – Tamar Day at Okeltor. Boats, camping, barbecue.
2nd October – Ham Hill. Free. Orienteering, cragfast sheep.
November - Scott centenary play by Jenny Coverack. Details tbc.
15th January - AGM and AR Birthday Lunch at Devon Hotel, Exeter.
Superhero Semaphore TARSMAN!
Derek Parkinson has created this figure in wood (see illustration above) to celebrate AR’s frequent use of little people sending semaphore messages in the stories. This is also a simple way of further promoting TARS.
There are three variations as follows:-
As a brooch £3.50
As a fridge magnet £3.50
Hung on a ribbon £4.50
You can choose a flag colour of red, white or blue.
Also, of course, you can choose your semaphore letter.
Most people choose the initial of their Christian name.
If you would like to order a badge, please send your request to Derek at
1a Quarry Steps, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2UD
Providing your full postal address, with post code, and full payment, clearly detailing what kind of “TARSMAN” you would like.
Cheques should be made payable to D. Parkinson and funds raised are for SW TARS.
Swallows and Amazons Musical to Open on December 1st
Chocolate in PP
