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What's on Dartmoor Diary July 2010

Scarecrow in NGS garden open to the public scheme and model railway bits and pieces in the auction at Chagford .

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Thursday 1st July to Thursday 30th September 10.30 - 4p.m. Dartmoor to the Sea, The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Free exhibition of machine embroidered pictures by Pauline Hearn. For further information telephone 01364 621321 or email the National Trust at The Church House for more details.
Thursday 1st July 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Friday 2nd July. 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 and local vegetables.
Saturday 3rd July. Produce market on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Victory hall in Lewdown (between Exeter and Moretonhampstead ) 10 to 1p.m. 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, bric a brac.
Saturday 3rd July. Do come along to the Transplant Week Cycle Ride starting at Okehampton Station and along the beautiful (and mainly flat) Granite Way. Everyone welcome to join in the fun.10.30 start.
Ring Wendy on 01647 231597. Go on pump up those tyres and dust off your saddle !! Get some exercise !
Saturday 3rd July 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 July 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 a child under 12. £5 per person and £2.50 child under 16. Booking essential 01647 433306.
Saturday 3rd July 10.30 - 3.30p.m. Family Art & Poetry at Smithaleigh, Nr Ivybridge. The whole family can create wildlife works of art with expert help in one of Devon's really special spaces. Booking essential for this free family event on 01392 260269 for full details.
Saturday 3rd July 9p.m. Nightjar walk led by Roger Swinfen. Meet at Postbridge car park (grid ref SX 646 789). Torches essential and bring binoculars if you have them. Warm clothing, anti midge cream. In case of bad weather call Fran McMurray on 01822 612460 to make sure event is still on. £3 suggested donation.
Sunday 4th July 1.30 - 5.30p.m. Heathercombe, Manaton. 30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds, lake, hundreds of specimen trees, woodland garden, fernery, extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of rhododendrons,wild flower meadow in orchard of West Country fruit trees. Attractive cottage gardens with interesting herbaceous plantings, newly established bog/stream garden. Seats and sandy paths.Visitors also welcome by appointment.
Sunday 4th July 12 - 3p.m. Fresh and Fruity at Castle Drogo. An apple juice sampling day with our local suppliers, come along and see the varieties on offer in our shop.Take a look at the Castle website for more information.
Tuesday 6th July 7.30p.m. every Tuesday Salsa and Argentinian Tango 8.30p.m. - 10p.m. Tavistock Town Hall. Bar available, free parking. For further details telephone 07974 095275 or 07884 381296.
Wednesday 7th July 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 July Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information, take a look at Jill's food review.
Thursday 8th July 9 - 1p.m. BuckfastleighFarmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Friday 9th July 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 and local vegetables.
Friday 9th July 6p.m. - 9p.m. Castle Drogo in a Different Light. Enjoy a delicious supper in our new café before having a special spring evening tour of Drogo. A unique chance to see the House as a guest at a Drewe family party would have in the 1930’s. Round off this fantastic experience with a glass of bubbly while watching the sun set on the Castle roof (weather permitting) £20 per person. Booking essential on (01647) 434144.Take a look at the Castle website for more.

Friday 9th July to July 17th TAVISTOCK CARNIVAL WEEK.There will be events all though the week prior to the procession including a pavement artists competition, town races, a concert in the Parish Church and musical evenings in various local pubs. find out more on the Lions Club of Tavistock website.
Saturday 10th July 10 - 12noon, 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 July  Chagford Antiques and Collectors' Fair The Jubilee Hall. There is adequate car parking adjacent. From 10am until 4pm and refreshments are available all day. Admission is free, visitors are able to make a charitable contribution if they wish. This event is organised by Hyson Fairs Limited, in aid of Leukaemia Research.
Saturday 10th July 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. Spectators encouraged.
The course is 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 10th July Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1p.m. Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves. Tavistock Farmers Market website.

Sunday 11th July Village Fair at Belstone this afternoon. In aid of the village hall funds.

Sunday 11th July 12.30 - 4.30p.m. Jazz on the Lawn at the Finch Foundry, near to Okehampton.

An afternoon of jazz featuring one of the West-country’s best bands – The Plough Boys.

Adult £8 – admission is by ticket only.

Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions on the day and bring a picnic.

Normal admission charges apply. Further information on 01837 840046.

or email the National Trust at the Finch Foundry for more information.
Wednesday 14th July 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at THE Community Hall in Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 14th July Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.
Thursday 15th July 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall,every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in Buckfastleighs' town Centre.
Thursday 15th July 1 - 3p.m. Living in Plymbridge Woods, near Plymouth. A guided walk looking at life in the valley from the late 19th to mid 20th century, using photographs and personal recollections. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential (Mon to Fri only) on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further information.
Friday 16th July 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 and local vegetables.





Don't miss The Dartmoor Musical event of the Summer !

Friday 16th to Saturday 17th July Chagstock 2010 music festival featuring
The Hoosiers, Seth Lakeman, The Quails, MUSE from Teignmouth recently at Glastonbury, Esteban, Rodney Branigan, Oysterband, Briana Hardyman, Eat the Rich, Morrison and Walker, Matty Matty, Tinderbox, Bovey Tracey Primary School Choir and many others. See the Chagstock website for details, times + you can buy tickets online. Chagstock supports Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Water Aid.
Saturday 17th July 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.
Saturday 17th July from 8.30 to 1p.m.
Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday.
Meat, fair trade goods, cheeses, preserves and plants.
Ring Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Support local goods. Buy British.
Saturday 17th July to Sunday 18th July 2 til 5p.m. Coombe Trenchard, Lewtrenchard. Coombe Trenchard's 8-acre Arts and Crafts garden was designed in1906 by architect Walter Sarel, with terraces, garden buildings, paths and bridges. Still a work in progress, 2 years into restoration project, forgotten paths, woodland garden, water gardens and the pattern of long forgotten Edwardian planting schemes have been discovered. Visitors also by appointment. Cream teas. Contact Philip & Sarah Marsh by email or 01566 783179. Adult. £4, child free.
Sunday 18th July 1.30p.m. Butterfly walk at Ashclyst Forest, near Exeter.

Meet in the Forest Gate car parkgrid ref SX 999 995. Target species will be purple hairstreak, white admiral and silver- washed fritillary. Led by the Devon Butterfly Conservation Group.

Contact John Randell on 01752 309857 or 07753 432061.

Tuesday 20th July Manaton Marketthird 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.
Wednesday 21st July 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 July Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.
Thursday 22nd July 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre. Read my review of the curry night by clicking here.
Friday 23rd July 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 and local vegetables.
Friday 23rd July to Saturday 24th July 7p.m. -10p.m. Andrew's Corner Belstone postcode EX20 1RD, 3 miles east of Okehampton. Signed to Belstone. In village signed Skaigh. Admission £5, child free, wine. Homemade teas. Telephone 01837 840332 or email Robin and Edwina.

Parking restricted but cars may be left on nearby common. Visitors welcome by appointment. Well established, wildlife friendly, well labelled plantsman's garden in stunning high moorland setting. Variety of garden habitats incl woodland areas, bog garden, pond; wide range of unusual trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants for year round effect including alpines, rhododendrons, bulbs and maples; spectacular autumn colour. Organic kitchen garden, greenhouse and chickens. Wheelchair access becomes difficult when wet.
Saturday 24th July 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. To submit entries for inclusion ring John

Saturday 24th July Whiddon Down Produce Market is held every 4th Saturday of the month in the Village Hall next to the Post Inn. From 10 to 12 noon. Vegetables, summer fruits, lots of jams and chutneys in season. Organic chicken on sale. Along with pies and tasty home made cakes.
Saturday 24th July 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.

Spectators, young horses and young riders welcome.
The course at the farm of Kathryn Northway, where livery is available. e-mail Kathryn. Tel. 01647 432089 Broadhalls Farm, Chagford. TQ13 8EH for horsebox drivers with sat nav !
Saturday 24th July 9.30 - 3p.m. Village Market usually the 4th Saturday of the month.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 July Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square, Tavistock. From 9 til 1.

The stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves.
Check out the website at Tavistock Farmers Market
Saturday 24th July to Monday 30th August 11 – 4p.m. Go Green for Life! Trail.Follow the trail around the garden and grounds and discover how green The National Trust Castle Drogo is, from recycling to producing our own heat from Estate resources, and our future plans for producing our own energy. Find out how you can Go Green for Life! in order to make changes in your life to reduce your impact on our world. £1.50 per child (including prize). Normal admission prices apply.Take a look at the Castle website for more information.
Sunday 25th - Friday 30th July Dartmoor Arts Summer School. A week of exciting courses on offer including earth art, digital photography, documentary film making, stone carving, spatial structures, drawing into painting, drawing master class, painting in the landscape and iron casting . Learn new skills in a creative, dynamic and supportive environment and meet other artists for a week of lively debate, discussion, talks and events. Book your place now! Bursaries available. The programme includes artists talks by Tim Knowles and Kate Davis, a talk by award winning architect Piers Taylor, music from Pavlov and Devon band The Jive Jacks and a film screening of new work by the 2010 Dartmoor Arts documentary film making students. The opening night event is 'Desert Island Images' where a panel of castaway artists talk about their top eight artworks that have inspired them in their practice over the years. For information visit Dartmoor Arts website. Also a week of evening events open to the public including artists talks, film screenings, discussion and live music at the Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton.All welcome, no need to book. £5 per event. Telephone 01647 281295 or email
Sunday 25th July 11 - 1p.m. Wild about Flowers.
Family event at Decoy Country Park, Newton Abbot (grid ref SX 863 703).
Francis Billinge will be your guide.
Charge for car parking, picnic optional.

Play area for the children.
Sunday 25th July 12 - 3.30p.m. Woodland Explorer Fun Day at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Lots of seasonal games and activities for all the family in the orchard and woodland. Suitable for children aged 5+. Normal admission charges apply. For information telephone 01822 820320/820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for more info.
Wednesday 28th July Belstone Ladies' Club Summer Cream Tea. A Summer Cream Tea with Bric-a-Brac stall and mystery parcels. 2.30pm at 'Dorney'. In the Village Hall if wet.

Wednesday 28th July 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 July 11 - 1p.m. & 2 - 4p.m. Wild Child Wednesdays at Castle Drogo. Get your hands dirty by joining in a variety of fun filled nature activities. Phone for details of specific activities each day. Normal admission prices apply and £2 for activities. Take a look at the Castle website for more information.
Wednesday 28th July 2 - 4p.m. Pond Dipping, Parke Estate, Bovey Tracey. Discover the life in the leat with the aid of nets and microscopes. Children £2 (children must be accompanied by adults). Meet in main car park, Grid Ref SX 805 786. Booking essential (Mon to Fri only) on 01626 834748 or email the National Trust at Bovey Tracey for more info.
Wednesday 28th July
Great Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for info. Read my review of curry night at the Victoria.

Thursday 29th July 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 29th July 10 - 1p.m. Creative Woodland Art, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. An opportunity to explore the woods and play outdoors using arts and crafts. Child £4 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge, Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential (Mon to Fri only) 01752 341377 or email the National Trust at Plym Bridge for info.
Thursday 29th July 2-4 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 more information tel 01822 820320/820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for more info.
Thursday 29th July 2 - 4p.m. Saxon Pot Making at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Make a clay pot, Saxon style!

Suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years. £2 per pot. Normal admission charges apply.

For more details call 01822 820320/ or 820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further information.
Friday 30th July 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 and local vegetables.
Saturday 31st July 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.