A WEST Devon artist and musician who have created a unique roundhouse on land at Postbridge have been presented with a special award by the Dartmoor Society. The 9th Dartmoor Society Award was presented to Carolyn Hillyer and Nigel Shaw by Dr Tom Greeves, chairman of the society. The award is in the form of a unique hand-crafted ceramic plate made and designed by the renowned calligrapher Susanne Haines and potter Penny Simpson. It is given annually to those who, in the opinion of the Society, have made a special contribution to Dartmoor. Dr Greeves said:'This award marks in particular the imaginative, pioneering and courageous decision of Carolyn Hillyer and Nigel Shaw to work with skilled Dartmoor craftspeople to create their own 'prehistoric' roundhouse, using materials from the moor. 'Initial opposition from Dartmoor National Park Authority was overcome, and the stunning structure was completed in 2002.' The roundhouse was created using around 30 tonnes of granite and timber sourced from Dartmoor woodlands — oak, hemlock, hazel and yew. The rye grass for the roof thatch came from Poland. Dr Greeves said:'Inside is a space 22ft in diameter, partially paved with stones and with a central hearth. This is used extensively by Carolyn and Nigel for educational and community purposes and for their own artistic work.' Dr Greeves said many CDs have been recorded within the roundhouse. with music played by Nigel on flutes made from thirteen indigenous Dartmoor tree species. ' Carolyn, a singer and song writer, also makes drums from the skins of red deer on Dartmoor,' said Dr Greeves. 'As a partnership, Carolyn and Nigel have shown the possibilities of a previously unexplored relationship between Dartmoor people and their environment, bridging nature and culture, and have been an inspiration to us all.' The Dartmoor Society was formed in 1998 to be 'an independent voice and a forum for debate for those who find Dartmoor a source of livelihood or inspiration'. Previous recipients of the Award have been Jeremy Butler, Geoffrey Weymouth, Fred Barlow, Wren Trust, Mark Beeson, Marion Saunders, Tony Beard, and Colin Pearse.
