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Exhibition of Dartmoor photographs goes on show at Throwleigh
Copyright: Chris Chapman
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A unique collection of Dartmoor photographs is set to go on show in a 180-year-old West Devon chapel this summer.
The well-known Dartmoor photographer Chris Chapman, who lives locally at Throwleigh, has been taking pictures of life around the moor for fifty years. Over this time he has built up a nationally important archive of photographs. With the support of a grant of £9,647 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the members of Providence Methodist Chapel, Throwleigh, will be mounting a special exhibition of Chris Chapman’s photographs during a series of open days between June and October. Details of opening times will be announced in May. Ian Crawford, the chapel’s project coordinator, said: ‘We are delighted to be opening our doors this summer to give everyone the chance to see Chris Chapman’s wonderful Dartmoor photographs. We look forward to welcoming local families and visitors from further afield, including walkers along the new Archangel Way.’ The chapel’s heritage project is also being supported by the Methodist Church and Devon County Council. Cllr James McInnes, County Councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford, said: ‘This is an important project. Chris Chapman captures the essence of Dartmoor and its residents. It’s a rare gift and this project will bring his pictures to a wider audience.’
Alongside the exhibition, Providence Methodist Chapel will be hosting a series of talks and running a project to discover more about the families who have been connected with the chapel going back over eight generations to 1839.
Anyone interested in helping with this project is welcome to contact Ian Crawford at Providence1839@gmail.com
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Events galore in Okehampton for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Year
Samford Courtenay Jubilee events
A joint plan between Okehampton Town Council and Okehampton Hamlets will see a variety of events take place in June to commemorate Her Majesty’s 70th year on the Throne. On Thursday, June 2, Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council will host the town’s beacon lighting event at Okehampton Show Field. The beacon will be lit at 9.45pm by one of the deputy Lord Lieutenants of Devon.
Everyone is invited to the event from 7.30pm to enjoy the atmosphere and the view. Throughout the night there will be special performances from a local choir and a piper who will be performing a unique tune written for the occasion. There will also be refreshments available, including the Lions’ burger van. There is parking and easy access to the area. Friday, June 3, OCRA (Okehampton Community Recreation Association) will be showing the St Paul’s Cathedral service of thanksgiving in the Pavilion in the Park on all screens (time tbc). A special menu on the day will be offered with cream and savoury teas available, alongside an enhanced cakes selection for the Jubilee weekend. Garden games will be available for families (giant connect 4, table tennis, Frisbee, etc) for families to use throughout the day. Saturday, June 4, Fields in Trust day sports will be held in the morning in Simmons Park. At 2pm Christians Together will hold their service of thanksgiving at the bandstand. There will be a tree dedication for the new Jubilee Oak tree on the putting green following the service. After that there will be performances by local groups in the marquee and refreshments will be served.
Then on Sunday, June 5 The Rotary Club of Okehampton will be holding the May Fair in the park with their duck races, which this year will have a twist. There will be stalls from local groups around as well as refreshments. On sale should be reusable metal drink bottles and limited edition commemorative programmes.
Sampford Courtenay community has rallied together to organise a whole range of events throughout June for the Queen’s Jubilee.
The New Inn will host a barbecue, bar and live music, including ‘Diving for Pearls’ on Saturday, June 4. At the village hall on Sunday, June 5 from noon there will be a Platinum picnic, plus a red, white and blue fancy dress competition, a Jubilee hat competition and A Queen’s Day at the Races - fun games for all the family. At St Andrew’s Church on Sunday, June 5 from 9.30am there will be a service of celebration followed by refreshments; and on Saturday, June 18 a Choral Concert will take place.
A flower show (to be on display by Saturday, May 28) will include a Scarecrow trail focussing on the Jubilee theme or historic events of the past 70 years; a doorstep floral container, with a red, white and blue theme; and best decorated house - best get your bunting out; plus other Jubilee themed classes for show day on Saturday, August 20. Check parish website https://www.sampfordcourtenay-pc.gov. uk/ or Facebook page for more information and up-dates.
Okehampton coming together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
2 June: Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council Beacon with Piper 3 June; Pavilion in the Park showing Service of Thanksgiving from St Pauls Cathedral 4 June: Okehampton Town Council Fields in Trust sports day and entertainment in Simmons Park 5 June: Rotary Fair in Simmons Park
More details to follow closer to the event on Okehampton Town Council and Okehampton Hamlets PC websites www.okehampton.gov.uk www.okehamptonhamlets-pc.gov.uk
Inaugural Lydford (Open) Classic Car Rally 2022
Lydford is to host the first West Devon Classic Car Rally on Friday, June 3 in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. The event is not a competition nor a timed rally but an exciting opportunity to bring the local community together in what is going to be an exciting jubilee weekend in the village. Owners/ exhibitors of classic cars who wish to join in but not participate in the drive out are encouraged to exhibit their vehicles at Lydford House car Park by 9.30am. Driver’s and navigators will also gather here for refreshments prior to the planned start time of 11am. Period dress from the ‘50s and ‘60s is encouraged for fun! Spectators are encouraged to attend from 9.30am at Lydford House.
The course will take in some of West Devon’s finest scenery over 36 miles in a sort of figure of 8 course through Tavistock-Yelverton-PrincetownMary Tavy - returning to Lydford. Entry is free. Contact Anthony via email frogeyeguy@outlook.com or call on 0749 073 4448 to receive a driver’s and navigator’s briefing nearer the time.
A Tale of Two Jubilees
In commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 the loyal residents of North Tawton raised £130 by public subscription to erect our Clock Tower in The Square - the tower is now a much-loved landmark within the town.
Fast forward 135 years to 2022 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has now become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, reflecting her 70 years of service, and once again the residents of North Tawton are full of enthusiasm and have planned and organised a wide range of events. Cllr Jean Trewhitt, chair of North Tawton Town Council, said: ‘The whole community has really embraced the planning of the celebrations with huge enthusiasm. The council has not been the organiser, different groups in the town have been responsible for their own events, with the council providing some supporting funding – we’re thrilled with the variety of things on offer, there will be something for everyone to enjoy over the whole Platinum Jubilee weekend.’
For this year’s Platinum Jubilee the council will be putting another commemorative plaque on the tower. Cllr Ruth Testa, chair of NTTC estates committee, said: ‘It seems very appropriate to add to it another piece of history in honour of our current Queen.’ June 2 - a parade from The Square to the Rugby Club celebrating 70 years of history (North Tawton Events Group) - a road closure will be in place in Fore Street for the duration of the parade, which will include residents in fancy dress and vintage vehicles. This will be followed by a BBQ (NT Scout Group), and the day will culminate in the Lighting of the Beacon (North Tawton Rugby Football Club). The ‘Jubilee Beacons’ is one of the official events of the weekend and will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth to come together to celebrate this historic milestone.
June 3 - games organised within the different pubs and the NT Bowls Club. June 4 - Treasure Hunt and Takeaway Cream Teas (NT Guides)
Tea Party for the over 70’s in the Town Hall (NT Afternoon WI)
June 5 - St Peter’s Church are organising a special open air service to be held in the Memorial Park. This will be followed at 12.30pm by a ‘Picnic in the Park’ (bring your own picnic), entertainment will be a band, jugglers etc, and Platinum Jubilee Celebration Cakes (NT Events group). Also look out for the NT Businesses Window Competition and the Scarecrow Trail!
Land transformed at former railway station
Couple now want the public to enjoy the space they have created A couple from Lydford have transformed an area of land which was where Lydford Railway Station once stood.
Danielle Haydon (left) and her husband Dave are the proud - and self-confessed ‘overwhelmed’ - owners of the land which was left in a poor condition when they purchased the land in 2013. Over run with Japanese knotweed, bale wrap charmed deep into all fields and rotting, dilapidated stables and barns, the couple had their work cut out for them! During the nine years since they acquired the land Danielle and Dave have done a lot of stock fencing, cleared scrub, and even have a small flock of sheep. It feels a lot better than it was, said Danielle, but there is still more to do.
‘Now I want to focus on a different area and invite people in for Railway Reminiscing and Nature Tours. ‘We can’t afford to work here on a weekly basis, so I thought a good compromise would be to offer self guided tours, provide visitors with a cream tea on the old platform, at a picnic table under a canopy. Any funds raised would then go straight back into the regeneration of this land, allowing us to work there one day a week. Some areas of the land are still overgrown and the ‘ponds’ between the platform are choked up with iron sediment and the persistent goat willow and brambles are taking over. ‘The site is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) - a protected natural site. The wildlife here is incredible. These ponds used to support an exceptionally diverse dragonfly fauna, which include a number of uncommon species’, said Danielle.
The couple will only be open for tours in term time on Mondays and Tuesdays, with just a morning and afternoon session.
‘Whether you want to come and paint, meditate, photograph, sit amongst the colourful array of birds, bees and butterflies or reminisce over the Station that once stood here, please come and visit.
The entrance fee of £15 includes a cream tea to enjoy on the platform, under a canopy, so you can enjoy whatever the weather and each am/pm session is up to 3 hours. 9ammidday or 1pm-4pm. Call 07769 705490 or email dotnes@gmail.com to book. Visit Lydford Station’s Facebook page for more information.
The first tour will be on May 3.
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People are being asked to lace up their walking boots and take on an incredible hike for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) this spring.
The charity has lined up 30 inspiring walking routes across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset for people to choose from – or they can simply pick one of their own. CHSW area fundraiser Kate Romo said: ‘Whether it’s a scenic stroll or an epic coast path ramble, grab your walking shoes, hike as you like and show your support for local children and families. ‘We really are blessed with some super walking routes in the South West, and with spring now here, what better time to get outside, breathe in some fresh air and explore the beauty on our doorstep? ‘Walking has so many positive physical and mental health benefits too, so we think this is the perfect feelgood fundraiser for people of all ages.’ It’s free to register to take part in The Incredible Hike and participants are asked to try and raise £30 in sponsorship to help CHSW provide vital respite care. The charity’s three hospices – Little Bridge House in North Devon, Charlton Farm near Bristol, and Little Harbour in Cornwall – provide a safe haven of care, support and friendship for more than 500 children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the South West.
The hospices offer respite, emergency, end-of-life and bereavement care for the whole family, and care teams have adapted their support during the pandemic to ensure a Covid-safe lifeline wherever and whenever families need it, including for the first time ever, in families’ own homes.
The charity needs around £11m a year to run its three children’s hospices, and around 85 per cent is raised through voluntary donations. “Every penny you’re able to raise with your Incredible Hike will make a difference and our fundraising team will be able to support you every step of the way,” added Kate. “Just visit the CHSW website to register, pick your route and start planning your Incredible Hike adventure. You’ll find lots of easy fundraising ideas and tips on there too, as well as downloadable sponsor forms and links to set up your own Just Giving page in a couple of easy clicks.” For more information or to register, visit www.chsw.org.uk/hike
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Celebrate ten years with ‘folk and frolicking’
June
Okehampton Community Garden is celebrating its ten year anniversary this year - and the icing on the celebratory cake is that the group has been awarded funding from Arts Council England to run an event with Wren Music.
‘Folk and Frolicking’ will take place on Saturday, June 25 providing people with an afternoon and evening of music and ceremony from Wren Music. With activities from 2pm until 8pm, Okehampton Community Garden will share the day and celebrate the season. All ages will be welcome to take part in music activities led by its professional facilitators. Everyone will draw on Midsummer traditions from across Europe including flower pictures, drumming, fire sculpture, flower crowns and dancing. The workshop activities will comprise: • Drumming - learning traditional rhythms together • Singing - learning Midsummer songs from across Europe • Dancing - learning group dances for the season • Flower
Crowns - based on the Latvian tradition, everyone will create and wear headdresses made from natural materials and flowers • Fire sculpture - discuss and agree a shape to represent midsummer. People will then weave this shape from paper rope into a metal frame, and then set fire to the shape at dusk.
July 22 to 23
The day will culminate in an evening bonfire and barbecue, when the results of the workshops will be reviewed and enjoyed together.
Chagstock Festival 2022
Second headliner announced for ‘best ever’ Chagstock lineup Psychedelic rock band Kula Shaker have been announced as the Saturday headliner of July’s Chagstock festival.The band rose to prominence in the nineties with their unique Indianinfused rock ballads, with hits such as Govinda, Tattva, Hush and Hey Dude. The indie rockers will play tunes from their latest album, First Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs. The record has been described as their ‘most inspired album in years’. Kula Shaker will join Friday night headliner, Ash, on a packed lineup. The shindig takes place at a beautiful site near Whiddon Down.
Simon Ford, Chagstock festival organiser, said: ‘We’re thrilled to announce this fantastic band confirmed to play on the Saturday night. They have a new album to be released in early June, so it’s great timing for us and them to hear old hits we know and love and new ones to discover.’
Simon added: ‘Ash have a string of hits that most people will know and enjoy. They will get the Friday night crowd going, I have no doubt about that.’ Ash have just released a specially compiled Best Of album, showcasing the biggest tunes of their 25-year career, with hits such as Girl from Mars and Shining Light. Folk-Punk band, Ferocious Dog, will also bring their thumping tunes and infamously lively fanbase to Dartmoor in July. The band which counts the Levellers as an influence, never fail to get the crowd jumping. Other acts on the bill are Plymouth Fivepiece, The Native, solo songwriter, Mim Grey, Funk and Soul band Tom McGuire & the Brassholes, and quirky act, Pattern Pusher.
Swedish act Baskery, a band made up of three sisters, will also bring their Americana style to the festival. For tickets, more info and future line-up announcements, visit www.chagstock.info Parking is limited so booking a car park slot is essential. Contact Linda on okehamptoncommunitygarden@gmail. com or phone 07928 735956 for more details and to book a space.
Explore beautiful East Devon on your 2022 staycation
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It’s the perfect base to explore the Jurassic Coast AONB and the South West Coast Path. Sign up to our newsletters for all the latest updates and o ers - See you soon! Call 01297 680387 or email enquiries@oakdown.co.uk to book your holiday today
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Moretonhampstead’s secret gardens
June
Feeling low after the Jubilee celebrations? Why not visit Moretonhampstead’s Secret Garden event.
There will be many interesting and varied gardens for everyone to explore, and some gardens that have never been open to the public. Plus there will be a plant sale, cream teas and light lunches available throughout the weekend. Opening hours for all the gardens will be 11am to 5pm on both days. Most gardens are within easy reach of the town car parks. Plants will be on sale and light lunches/cream teas will be available at some of the gardens. Tickets, maps and descriptions of the gardens will be available from June 1 at the Moretonhampstead Tourist Centre (01647 440043) and Larry’s Newsagents. They will also be on sale in the town square over the weekend itself. The entry charge is £5 per person, covering all the gardens and valid throughout the two days. There is no charge for accompanied children under 14 years. The weekend is organised by the Moretonhampstead Tourist Information Centre. All money raised by this popular summertime event will go towards the everyday running of the information centre which relies on fundraising to keep it operating throughout the year and gives a valuable service to visitors and locals alike.
For further information contact Sylvie Gowers on 01647 440386 or sylviegowers@btinternet.com
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Glorious gardens open to the public this spring
See some glorious gardens not normally open to the public this May and June for the nursing and caring charities supported by the National Garden Scheme.
Described in the order they open, the gardens are all very different and with a huge variety of plants, planting ideas and features. All the gardens offer refreshments and many have plants for sale. Free entry for children and many allow dogs on leads. Hayne, near Zeal Monachorum, even has a live Jazz band, so a great day out is guaranteed all while helping raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospices UK and many other nursing charities at the same time. Opening May 21 and May 22 from 1pm to 5pm are Moretonhampstead Gardens, (TQ13 8PW). Two large gardens with mature orchards and year-round vegetable gardens, substantial rhododendrons, azaleas and tree planting, croquet lawns, summer colour and woodland walks through hydrangeas and acers. Mardon has long herbaceous borders and formal granite terraces plus stunning grasses a fernery, colourful bog garden and a pond with thatched boathouse. Sutton Mead has a shrub lined drive and unusual planting plus dahlias, grasses, bog garden, rill fed round pond, a gothic concrete greenhouse and a sedum roofed summerhouse. Teas are a must and available at both gardens. Adults £6. Dogs on leads welcome. Andrew’s Corner, Belstone, (EX20 1RD) opening May 1 and 2 and May 28 and 29 from 2pm to 5pm. Join them as they enter their 51st year of opening and take a walk on the wild side in this tranquil moorland garden. In early May the maples, rhododendrons and unusual shrubs provide interest, and late May brings the flowering davidia, cornus, embothrium and the spectacular blue poppies. Home-made teas. Adults £5. Lewis Cottage, Spreyton, (EX17 5AA), opening May 28 and 29 and June 25 and 26 from 12pm to 5pm. At the bottom of a winding unmade Devon farm track Lewis Cottage is a wonderful combination of relaxed planting schemes and formal borders, with woodland areas dedicated to attracting wildlife. There is masses to see in this four acre garden including a camassia cricket pitch, rose garden, large natural dew pond, bog garden, hornbeam rondel, hot and cool herbaceous borders, fruit and veg garden and a plant nursery selling plants mostly propagated from the garden. Home-made teas. Adults £5. Dogs on short leads welcome.
Higher Cherubeer near Dolton (EX19 8PP) featured on Gardener’s World this spring for its cyclamen is opening on June 4 from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Besides holding National Collections of cyclamen and snowdrops, there is much to see in early summer when the herbaceous planting takes over with hardy geraniums, astrantia, dicentra, aquilegia and roses, clematis and lilies. Adults £5. Home-made teas.
Whiddon Goyle near Whiddon Down (EX20 2QJ) opening June 4 and 5 from 11am to 4pm enjoys stunning views over Dartmoor. Built in the 1930s and cleverly designed to protect its 2 acre garden against the Dartmoor weather. It enjoys many features including a rockery, croquet lawn, rose garden herbaceous borders, ponds, small vegetable and flower plot along with a pair of majestic monkey puzzle trees. Light refreshments. Adults £5. Dogs on leads welcome. Hayne, Zeal Monachorum (EX17 6DE) opening June 12 from 2pm to 6pm. Enjoy a great afternoon exploring the garden, followed by a cream tea while listening to a live Jazz band! In the walled garden exciting new planting blends with the beautiful tree peonies, mature wisteria and rambling wild roses in combination with a more modern Piet Oudolf style perennial planting surrounding the recently renovated grade II* farm buildings. An extensive vegetable and cut flower planting adds to the scene. Disabled WC. Home-made teas. Adults £5.00
For more information visit www.ngs. org.uk or pick up a Devon Gardens Open for Charity booklet at your local garden centre.
This summer, local people have the opportunity to shake off the Covid blues by joining exciting and fun Art for All classes at the Ockment Centre.
Funded by Okehampton United Charities and the National Lottery, the courses are aimed at adults who have felt socially isolated and are a great opportunity to meet new people. Andy Cairns, project coordinator, said: ‘Creative activities are a great way of rebuilding confidence and getting to know others at a natural pace. The friendly atmosphere helps everyone relax and the art is a great conversation starter. At just £8 for a 4 week course, they are accessible to all incomes and our tutor will give you expert support whatever yotur level of experience.’ • The Wednesday afternoon courses began on April 27 with ink drawing and painting, exploring pen and wash and loose ink painting. • From May 25, you can experiment with blockprinting and collage, designing and making your own blocks, then combining with collage and pen. • From June 29, you can try your hand at missed media Seascapes. For more info or to book contact West Devon Art Workshops: westdevonartworkshops@gmail.com or phone 07724 153381
Valley Voices concert in Okehampton
All Saints Church, the parish church of Okehampton, is hosting Valley Voices on May 2 at 3pm. The concert was planned for 2020 as a fundraiser to install a new fully equipped toilet in the church, but was cancelled due to Covid.
CHoir leader Elizabeth Saudck said: ‘Valley Voices is a chamber choir which started life in the Tamar Valley in 2009. ‘We are very pleased to have been invited by Jane and Tony Wood to come and sing in aid of All Saint’s Church funds. It is new territory for us but there are old connections - Tony was headteacher at Liskeard School and Community College, where two of us taught and both Jane and Tony were actively involved in the church, music, arts and heritage in East Cornwall so there are many overlapping interests with the current members.
‘The concert will include some highlights from our varied repertoire; so you can come and expect some old and new music, sacred and secular and at least one thing very silly indeed. ‘We shall also invite you to raise your voices in the final item. It is 150 years since the birth of Vaughan Williams so please sing his glorious arrangement of the Old Hundreth (All people that on Earth do Dwell) with us.’
MUSIC FOR A BLUEBELL WEEKEND
A mixed programme of sacred and secular music for a summer’s afternoon
Saturday May 7th 2022 at 3pm All Saints Church Okehampton Valley Voices
a chamber choir from the Tamar Valley
Conductor Elizabeth Saudek
Tickets £8, u16 £4
from Donalds Menswear, Okehampton or via
Tony Wood, email: adenwo77@gmail.com and on the door
Refreshments provided after the concert
All proceeds from this concert will go to All Saints Church
Events at Okehampton Library
Digital Devon
Book onto one of its free digital skills sessions in May and June at Okehampton Library, to learn some basic digital skills or improve and refresh existing skills. Bring in your own device or use our public access computers. Contact Okehampton Library to have a chat about how we can help, and to book a digital session. Booking essential.
Dates to be confirmed. Local History Month in May
Pop in as see what resources Okehampton library has to offer. Wednesday, June 1 10:00-11:00 – ‘Queens Storytime and craft Free activity for children and their carers. Monday, June 6 to Sunday, June 19 - High Vis Fortnight A celebration of ‘all things’ related to accessible libraries and reading. The availability of alternative formats and cultural engagement through libraries is critical to ensuring that people who are blind, or who have sight loss or anything that stops them from using standard print, can access, enjoy and share a diverse range of reading and experiences.
Regular library events
Knit & Natter - Tuesdays 13:30-14:30 Bring along your knitting, stitching, crochet or other portable craft project, for a chat with like-minded crafters. Tea and coffee available at 70p a cup. Bounce & Rhyme - Tuesdays 10:00-10:20 & 11:00-11:20
Suitable for under 5s. Free. Booking Essential.
Baby Weighing – Tuesdays 09:30-11:30 Free self-weigh facilities for parents to weigh their babies are available in a screened area within the library. This is a new partnership between Libraries Unlimited and Devon Public Health Nursing. Duplo Builders & Storytime - Wednesdays 09:30–10:15 Suitable for ages 0-5 years. Free. No booking necessary. Lego Builders - Saturdays 10:30–11:30 Suitable for ages 5+. Free. No booking necessary. The Secret Book Quest
A completely FREE year-round reading challenge for 5-12 year olds across Devon. To take part, children need to sign up, read 50 books, collect stickers and solve the code.
Children under 8 must be accompanied to all events by a responsible adult Please see the library’s website or Facebook page for any additional events and library services www.devonlibraries. org.uk
Events around Okehampton
May
May 21
Come, Buy and Chat (including plant sale) at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall from 10.30am to 11.30am.
June
June 5
Jubilee Platinum Picnic from midday at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall (bring your own picnic). Fancy dress and hat competitions, races, ice cream. For more details go to www.sampfordcourtenaypc.gov.uk
Introducing our newest artist: Elaine Ford Energy & Movement Exhibition
Meet the artist and fi rst view Sat April 7th 11am-4pm
Dartmoor’s Art Gallery
Representing the region’s fi nest artists www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk
Chapel Lane, Horrabridge, Yelverton PL20 7SP • info@wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk • 01822 258529
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June 24
7pm, Grand Summer Ball Black tie event, at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall. Drinks reception, dinner and live band. Licensed bar. Tickets £45. Contact Marilyn Weeks 01837 851269 rmweeks007@gmail.com
July
July 3
Sampford Courtenay Open Gardens, 11am to 5pm Refreshments available
Proceeds to be shared between St Andrew’s Church and the Village Hall Roof-us fund
Visit sampfordcourtenay-pc.gov.uk for more information.
Regulars
Every Sunday morning. Okehampton Rambling Club.
Meet at Okehampton Post Office ready to leave by 9.30am. Varied walks of between 7 to 9 miles, moorland, coastal, countryside. Call Chris on 01409 221362 for more information.
The Okehampton and District Local History Society plan to start its programme of Talks commencing in May on the second Wednesday of the month in the Ockment Centre, Okehampton, at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.
River Teign Restoration Project exhibition
Daily, 11am-4.30pm In the gorge below Castle Drogo flows the River Teign. The river and its inhabitants are under threat so a project is underway to try and help. The exhibition in the gun room of Castle Drogo tells the story of the river and project to try and save it. Free (normal admission applies). No booking required.
Guided tours of Finch Foundry
Wednesdays to Sundays, 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm Join a knowledgeable guide for a tour of Finch Foundry to experience the sights, sounds and smells of what was one of the South West’s most successful tool factories.
Inspect the waterwheels that powered massive hammers, giant shears and a huge sharpening stone. Get an insight into the life of workers in the 19th century and learn about the enterprising Finch family. Tours last for approximately one hour.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking essential via the website.
Family Cooking Workshops
Thanks to All Together Okehampton,
Harvest Workers’ Coop has started a series of Family Cooking Workshops. Using seasonal food, exploring interesting recipes, preparing and sharing food in a welcoming and supportive social space .. sounds interesting? These are taking place on one Saturday a month. Spaces will be limited to four families per workshop. Do email hello@harvestworkerscoop. org.uk or pop into the shop at Okehampton for more information.
Car boot sales at Belstone
Three car boot sales are on the calendar at Belstone Cricket ground this year, on Saturday, May 28, Saturday, July 9 and Saturday, September 3. Sellers can arrive from 9am, £5 for cars and £6 for vans. Buyers arriving after the official opening time of 10am pay £1 per car; if arriving before 10am the entry fee is £2 per car. Refreshments, including a fine selection of home-made cakes, will be available in the pavilion. No need to book as there is plenty of room on the field but please phone 01837 840498 if you’d like further details.
Can you help?
Can you help save a home for wildlife? The frog pond at Ranelagh Road in Okehampton is blocked and not fit for purpose. Volunteers are being sought to pull weeds and make the pond suitable for the wildlife that once inhabited the area. If you can help (and possibly have waders) contact David Wright on 01837 52927.
Beekeeping help
Part time position, one day a week. Would suit a hard working person with an interest in the environment. Must have had at least one seasons practical beekeeping. Own transport required. Contact Peter Hunt on 01647 440322 for more information.
