MANY of us were deeply saddened to read of the sudden and tragic death of John Warne just before Christmas. 

He was well-known as an outstanding mayor of Tavistock and the chairman of the Crowndale Recreational Association that has given the town some fine football pitches and changing rooms for junior soccer.   

With huge energy and determination he led the team that secured the development of Crowndale for community use for ever.

John was perhaps less well known for his deep love of Dartmoor and for his acute awareness of God all around us.  

He wrote a fine poem a while ago which shows us clearly this side of his character and I am sure would be of interest your readers:

Pew Tor

Pew Tor has always been 'My Church'.

It is here . . . be it on a typically misty 'Dartmoor Day'

Or on a fine sunny summer's morning

That I think of those I loved in my youth but are now gone

Yet ... I still reach out to them.

As I gaze out across the moor

With my dog by my side and only the sound of a lone skylark

Looking towards my beloved town

That all existence seems to merge into one with my soul and memories.

It is here . . . sitting on the granite rock, that, in itself, seems timeless

I feel at one with God

Dick Eberlie

Vigo Mews, Tavistock