What's on Dartmoor Diary April 2010

All this month Catherine Forshall's vivid contemporary paintings exhibiting at the Monks Withecombe Gallery, Chagford. Telephone 01647 432854 or take a look at the Monks Withecombe Gallery website.
Up to 14 April Exhibition of photography featuring Dartmoor Churches, at the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown.
Up to Sunday 25 April 10-5.30pm At the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey free entry to an exhibition of automata, kinetic and 3D sculpture which all describe or present a narrative to the viewer. Featuring interactive pieces by local craftspeople and international leaders in automata. This is a truly unique and intriguing show that will tell its own stories and charm the whole family. See far more on the Devon Guild

Thursday 1st April – Monday 5th April 11-4pm Easter Egg Trail, Sexton’s Cottage, Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Fun trail for children. Collect a quiz sheet from the shop and on completion, receive an Easter egg. Further information telephone 01364 621321 or email the National Trust for further information.
Thursday 1st April 9-1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Friday 2nd April 11-3pm Easter Egg Trail, Parke Estate, Bovey Tracey. Kids, have fun following a trail to see if you can win an easter egg! Child £2 (children must be accompanied by adults). Booking advisable (Monday-Friday only) on 01626 834748 or email the National Trust at Bovey Tracey for further information.
Friday 2nd April Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local vegetables etc.
Good Friday 2nd April Elizabeth Strong from the USA and Samantha Emanuel from the UK will be performing in an evening of Tribal Fusion at the Barfoot Barn in Chagford. Show starts at 7p.m. Including innovative performances from other UK guests. Balkan beats and world grooves by Our John ak DJ No Name. Entry by donation. Sounds like a fun evening !!
Friday 2nd to Monday 5th April 12 noon-3.30pm Easter Trail at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Search for clues; solve puzzles and riddles to claim your chocolate treat. Suitable for children aged 4-12 years. Please wear stout footwear. All children must be accompanied. Child: £2 for trail. Normal admission charges apply. For info tel 01822 820320/820441, email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further information.
Friday 2nd to Monday 5th April 11-4pm Easter Trail at Castle Drogo. Follow the wildlife clues around the garden and grounds to claim your chocolate prize! £2 per child. Normal admission prices apply.
Saturday 3rd April Produce market on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Victory hall in Lewdown (between Moretonhampstead and Exeter) 10 to 1pm Stalls include Locally Baked Bread, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Poultry, Fish, Fruit & Vegetables, Herbs & Spices, Fresh Eggs, Tasty Local Cheese, Hand Made Fudges, Home made Preserves, Antiques and bric a brac.
Saturday 3rd April 10 to 12noon Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support Easter Saturday at Endecott House in Chagford. Real coffee, cakes and savouries, great raffle prizes. Do come along and support us.
Saturday 3rd April 9.30 to 3p.m..The market is held in the Church House,Widecombe-in-the- Moor, owned by The National Trust. With a wide range of produce, from olives, olive oil to locally grown vegetables and plants. Cheeses, apple juice, honey, home made bread, cakes, jams, chutneys, beef, lamb and pork from local Widecombe farms. Contact Diana Cameron or Richard Holmes on 01364 621218. See Widecombe market's website for more information.
Saturday 3rd April 8.30 - 1p.m. Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fairtrade goods, cheeses, preserves and plants. Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 3rd April and Sunday 4th April 11 - 3p.m. Easter Egg Trails, Finch Foundry, nr Okehampton. Fun trail for children aged 5-12. Collect a quiz sheet from the shop and on completion receive an Easter egg. £2 per child. Normal admission charges apply. Further information on 01837 840046 or email the National Trust at Finch Foundry for details.
Sunday 4th April 11 - 3p.m. Easter Egg Trail, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. Children’s fun trail. Collect a quiz sheet and return it completed for your Easter egg treat. Child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plymbridge car park, Grid Ref SX 524 585. Further information (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust
Easter Bank Holiday Monday 5th April Teignton Fayre Annual Duck Race will take place at Fingle Bridge after lunch.
Easter Bank Holiday Monday 5th April Ever wondered about Gliding ? The Dartmoor Gliding Society are holding an open day at their society base near to Brentor. Go along and see the gliders, find out about trial flights and watch all the goings on. The Gliding Society will have more information about the event closer to the date, including opening times and refreshments etc. ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS ALLOWED THOUGH - SORRY.
Tuesday 6th April 10.30 -11.30 in the Jubilee Gallery at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey. Storytelling with Wilf Merttens FREE but booking essential. Suitable for children 4-12 years (and their parents).'Storytelling is magic. It is a cross between hypnotism and the cinema' says Wilf. And he should know because he's not just any storyteller, he's National Young Storyteller of the Year 2009!
Tuesday 6th April to Sunday 18th April 11 - 4p.m. Tors of Dartmoor Letterboxing Trail Hunt around the garden and grounds of Castle Drogo to discover the Letterboxing stamps and learn about the stories behind the Dartmoor Tors. £1.50 per child (including prize). Normal admission prices apply.
Wednesday 7th April 11 - 1p.m. & 2 - 4p.m. Holiday Activities at Castle Drogo Create a Cookie! Now that all the Easter chocolate is finished, why not have fun decorating your own biscuit? Its up to you whether you save it or eat it straight after! £2 per person. Normal admission prices apply.
Wednesday 7th April 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 7th April 11 - 1p.m. Young Bird Watchers, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. A fun childrens walk in the woods identifying all the different birds that live there. Adult £1, child £4 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge car park Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further information.
Wednesday 7th April Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 8th April 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 8th April 1 - 4p.m. Children's Bird and Nest Day at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Construct a giant nest, build a bird box, make masks, finger puppets and bird feeders. Suitable for children aged 4+. Child £2 for activities (excluding bird box). £4 per bird box. Normal admission charges apply. For information tel: 01822 820320/82044 or email the National Trust for further details..
Friday 9th April Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park.

Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local vegetables etc.
Friday 9th April 8.30p.m. Come and celebrate the start of the new live music season at the Long rooom, Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton, and bring your dancing shoes! £5 a ticket. JIVE JACKS A Devon appearance by one of the UK's hard working festival bands, who deliver original takes of the best soul, r'n'b, jazz, and dance music. Based in London and Devon they boast some of the best players around, including father and daughter team. Pete Lowe saxes, flute, clarinet, stubble, Rosie Lowe vocals, saxophone, gyration,Hoagy Plastow saxophone, haircut, Tony Plato drums, philosophy (home spun), Dhevdhas Nair piano, shekere, Jesse Mollins guitar, volume pedal, Doug Kyle double bass, cide, plus possible special guests. Telephone 01647 281224.
Saturday 10th April 8.30 - 1p.m. Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fairtrade goods, cheeses, preserves and plants. Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 10th April 10 - 12 noon, Hittisleigh Market held in Hittisleigh village hall, every 2nd Saturday. There will be available produce, meat, cheese, plants, cakes, preserves etc. Contact Shirley for further information 01647 24453.
Saturday 10th April Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1p.m. Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 10th April 12 noon, 2p.m. & 3.30p.m., Fire Starting through the ages – Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Demos will show this essential ancient skill and the different techniques used. Normal admission charges apply. Booking essential. Suitable for ages 11+£3 per person. Tel 01822 820320/820441, email the National Trust for further info.
Tuesday 13th April Exeter Racecourse’s annual Children’s Day, free to all children aged 17 and under and Pony Club members on Tuesday April 13, is a must on everybody’s calendar. All children who pre-book their attendance can enjoy raceday tours, talks by jockeys, autograph sessions, the chance to go on an equisisor, quizzes, goody bags and the famous race down the straight. Supported by The Pony Club, and Burts Chips, there’ll be plenty of other attractions as well as exciting racing for all the family to enjoy. Children must be booked in advance to attend Children’s Day. Book into the restaurant and children eat for just £5. Please contact Alice Everitt on (01392) 832599 for more information. Click here to visit the racecourse website for more.
Wednesday 14th April 4.30 -5.15p.m. Burglar Bill Puppet Show presented by Armchair Puppets at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey. Using glove and shadow puppets, this gentle version of Burglar Bill will delight all the family. Stripy clothes and burglar masks may be worn! Suitable for children aged 3-10 years. Children £4, Adults £1.
Wednesday 14th April 2 - 4p.m. Saxon Pot Making at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Make a clay pot, Saxon style! Suitable for children aged 4-12 years. £2 per pot. Normal admission charges apply. For info tel: 01822 820320/820441, email the National Trust for further details.
Wednesday 14th April 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 14th April Starting at 8.30p.m. Quiz Night at The Globe Inn in Chagford, £1 per entry, returned in prizes.
Wednesday 14th April 11 - 1p.m. & 2 - 4p.m. Holiday Activities at Castle Drogo, Design a Bag. Create a unique and individual design on a jute bag using pens, buttons, sequins, fabric and your imagination! £2 per person. Normal admission prices apply.
Wednesday 14th April Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 15th April 9- 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 15th April 10- 1p.m. Animal Houses, Plym Bridge, near Plymouth. Build a bat, dormouse or bird box and learn about where they live in the wild. All materials supplied and you can take your box home. Child £6 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge, Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further information.
Friday 16th April Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1p.m. - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local vegetables.
Saturday 17th April Jumpcross at Chagford. Exciting jumpcross course including purpose built water complex, ditches and steps, easy view for spectators, and a thrilling ride around with fantastic Dartmoor views. A well organised and safe ride for all ages and abilities. Teaching riders to ride with rhythm and balance. Young horses and young riders welcome. Course at the farm of Kathryn Northway, where livery is available. e-mail Kathryn. Telephone 01647 432089 Broadhalls Farm, Chagford. TQ13 8EH for horseboxes with sat nav !
Saturday 17th April 2.30p.m. Devon Wildlife Trust Spring walks Yarner Wood with Albert Knott. Map reference SX 786788.
Saturday 17th April 9 'til 1p.m. Okehampton farmers market has over 20 stalls in the centre of town on the third Saturday of each month. When the weather is right, there is a fresh fish stall, and every week you can buy locally produced meat, free range chicken, venison, bread and cider along with vegetables, herbs and yogurt. Contact Ruth Kelsey 01837 811762 for any more info. Okehampton Market website should you wish to see more information.
Sunday 18th April 2 - 5p.m. Taikoo, Belstone, Devon. 3-acre hillside moorland garden, restored over past 12 years, recently extended to include heathers and moorland plants. Interesting collections of rhododendrons, fuchsias, hydrangeas, magnolias, camellias, roses and other shrubs and trees. Herb garden and water features. Magnificent views over Dartmoor from terraces of Taipan's house (not open). Visitors also welcome by appointment. Refreshments cream teas. Admission £3.50, child free.
Sunday 18th April Open mike night starting at 9p.m. at the Sandy Park Inn. All welcome either as a solo artisit or with a group of friends, take a look at the Sandy Park Inn website for further info or tel 01647 433267.
Wednesday 21st April 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 21st April 10 - 11.30a.m. Hidden Drogo Come and explore behind the scenes at Castle Drogo. This tour will show you areas not normally on the visitor route such as the Boot Room, Wood Store and the spectacular roof. £5 per person, £2.50 per child. Booking essential on (01647) 433306.
Wednesday 21st April Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.
Thursday 22nd April 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 22nd 23rd and Saturday 24th April Creative cow Theatre group presents The Dumb Show by Joe Penhall at the New Theatre, Exeter. Barry, a hapless TV comic, is a sucker for celebrity status. He’s an easy target for “financial executives” John and Jane, with their promise of fat fees and the five-star treatment he deserves. Tel 01392 211080/ 277189 Click for more information.
Friday 23rd April Why not get out to the St. George's Day evening at The Globe Inn at Chagford. Starts at 8.30p.m.
Dancing to Arthur the Legend (Apparently !)
Friday 23rd April Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1p.m.- Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local vegetables.
Saturday 24th April Dartmoor Auctioneer Auction will take place at Chagford today. Jewellery, antiques, porcelain, paintings, medals, copper and brass, watches, clocks, ceramics and instruments. Viewing starts at 8.30 and Bidding at 10 sharp. Teas and coffees available. Ring 01647 432415 for further details or to discuss possible entries for the sale. Log onto the auction website to see some of the fascinating entries. If you have any entries for inclusion ring John to let him know.
Saturday 24th April Village Market usually the 4th Saturday of the month 9.30 to 3.The market is held in the Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, owned by The National Trust. With a wide range of produce, from olives, olive oil to locally grown vegetables and plants. Cheeses, apple juice, honey, home made bread, cakes, jams, chutneys, beef, lamb and pork from local Widecombe farms. Contact Diana Cameron or Richard Holmes on 01364 621218. See Widecombe market's website for more information.
Saturday 24th April Don't miss Tavistock Cycling fun Day. Starting at the Meadows at 10a.m. With bike displays, a leisure cycle ride, a bike clinic, children's entertainment and a Duck Race.
Saturday 24th April Whiddon Down Produce Market is held every 4th Saturday of the month in the Village Hall. Veg, summer fruits, lots of jams and chutneys in season. Pies and home made cakes.
Saturday 24th April 8.30 - 1p.m. Produce Markettakes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fairtrade goods, cheeses, preserves and plants. Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 24th April 10 - 12 & 2 - 4p.m. Boilers Ain’t Boring. Find out why on this quirky tour of Castle Drogo’s heating system! Descend into the bowels of the Castle with a visit to the now obsolete oil fired boilers. Then climb onto the roof to see the magnificent view of the Teign Valley that will soon be providing our heating fuel. You will also take a trip to our new environmentally friendly biomass boiler where you can discover what biomass is and see the boiler in action. A unique opportunity to take a peek at the inner workings of Castle Drogo! Please note this tour includes many stairs over many levels. Not suitable for children under 12. £5 per person and £2.50 for children under 16. Booking essential on 01647 433306.
Saturday 24th April Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1 Stall holders are all Farmers, growers, producers themselves. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 24th April 11-4.30 Vintage Car Rally, Finch Foundry, nr Okehampton. A free display of some of the best vintage vehicles in the area. Normal admission charges apply. Further information on 01837 840046 or email the National Trust for further details.
Saturday 24th April to May 3rd 10 days of Music, dance, art and literary events at Tavistock. From opera to lunchtime jazz, The Hound of the Baskervilles play to organ recitals, Tavistock College Students singing and a Flash Dance Workshop, with Salsa and belly dancing thrown in. Whatever your musical tastes, Tavistock Music and Arts Festival is the place to be. There is a very good events page within the Festival website. Click to see.
Sunday 25th April 12-3 Family Woodland Sculpture Day at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Create fabulous wooden animal sculptures using wood and basic hand tools. Suitable for ages 7+. £2 per sculpture. Normal admission charges apply. For information telephone 01822 820320/820441, email the National Trust for further information.
Sunday 25th April See this link to find out what is on today Sunday at the Festival.
Sunday 25th April 2 - 5p.m. Whitstone Farm Bovey Tracey, Devon. Over 3 acres of steep hillside garden with stunning views of Haytor and Dartmoor. Arboretum planted 38yrs ago of over 200 trees from all over the world, includes magnolias, camellias, acers, alders, betula and sorbus. Water feature. Major plantings of rhododendron and cornus. New August opening date for flowering eucryphias. An ever developing garden with a stunning collection of rare trees and shrubs including many August flowering Eucryphia. The many Magnolias, Camellias and Rhododendron join in the garden's wonderful spring display.Visitors also welcome by appointment for groups. Home-made teas. Admission £3, child free.
Sunday 25th April 12 - 3p.m. Taste Sunday at Castle Drogo. Try before you buy - come along to the Shop for food tasting and see what our local suppliers can tickle your taste buds with.
Sunday 25th April Starting at 8p.m. Last Sunday Folk. Plymouth Inn, Okehampton. An evening of folk song and music hosted by professional artists from folk arts development charity Wren Music, with guest artists, but mainly featuring YOU! All singers and musicians are welcome, or just come along and enjoy the evening if you do not play or sing. Cost Free collection and raffle. For more information on the Wren Music website. Contact Wren Music 01837 53754.
Monday 26th AprilSee this link to find out what is on today Monday at the Festival.
Monday 26th April Film night at the Globe Inn Chagford tonight Film 'An Education' (rated 12A) Starting at 8p.m.
Tuesday 27th April Manaton Market third Tuesday of the month, where you can buy lots of local goods including cakes, puddings and pies, honey, fresh eggs, cheese, meat from local farms, pork, lamb, bacon, even locally made fudge. Get yourselves along to the Parish Hall to find all these goodies. From 10.30 to 12.30. Contact Mrs. Christina Everett on 01647 221302 for further details.
Tuesday 27th April See this link to find out what is on today Tuesday at the Festival.Wednesday 28th April See this link to find out what is on today Wednesday at the Festival.
Wednesday 28th April 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 28th April Take care not to miss the Open Mike night at The Globe Inn Chagford, starting at 9p.m. Everyone welcome to 'give it a go' Parking in the town car park.
Wednesday 28th April Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.
Thursday 29th April 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 29th April See this link to find out what is on today Thursday at the Tavistock music and arts Festival 2010.Including Salsa and Flash Dance.
Friday 30th April Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1p.m. - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local vegetables.
Friday 30th April Enjoy a naughty night out with your girlfriends at The Globe Inn at Chagford, including a 2 course meal and entertainment. Tickets £20 Starts at 8 p.m. See the website for further information. Parking in the nearby car park or book a taxi and really let your hair down !!
Friday 30th April See this link to find out what is on today Friday at the Tavistock Festival.