What's on Dartmoor Diary June 2010

All this month Catherine Forshall's vivid contemporary paintings will be exhibited at Monks Withecombe Gallery, Chagford. Telephone 01647 432854 or take a look at the Monks Withecombe Gallery website.
Up to Sunday 6th June From 11 'til 4p.m. Food Glorious Food at Castle Drogo. Grow your Own Food Trail. Follow the clues around the garden and grounds and learn about food that you can easily grow yourself. £1.50 per child including prize. Normal admission prices apply.
Tuesday 1st June 9p.m. - 11p.m. Nightjar Walk, Plym Bridge, near Plymouth. The Nightjar flies at night. Come with us on a walk in the woods to hear and see this shy but amazing bird. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for info.
Tuesday 1st June 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 2nd June 2 - 4p.m. Food Glorious Food: Planting Thyme! Leave your mark at Castle Drogo, National Trust with this fun family event. Help us plant our new herb garden with a wide variety of herbs to use in cooking in our cafe. Learn what herbs will be used with what food. Normal admission prices apply. Take a look at the Castle website for more.
Wednesday 2nd June 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley FarmersMarket held every Wednesday. Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 2nd June 11 - 4p.m. Woodland Explorer Day, Parke Estate, Bovey Tracey. Go wild in the woods – make
animal sculptures, nests and shelters, follow the nature trail and other kids woodland activities. Child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). 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 further information.
Wednesday 2nd June 12, 2p.m. and 3.30p.m. Fire Starting through the ages Lydford Gorge, near Okehampton. Demos will show essential ancient skill and the different techniques used. Normal admission charges apply. Suitable for ages 11+. £3 per person. Booking essential. 01822 820320/820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for info.

Wednesday 2nd June Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.
Thursday 3rd June 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 3rd June 9p.m. - 11p.m. Nightjar Walk, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. Come with us on a walk in the woods to hear and see this shy but amazing bird. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further info.
Friday 4th June 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. Tel 01822 820320/820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further information.
Friday 4th June 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 5th June The 12th Annual Dartmoor Discovery 32 mile Ultra Marathon. You can run for your favourite charity, the wearing of fancy dress is not allowed. Race starts at 9.30 am from the Railway Inn, Princetown, finishes at the Railway Inn car park Princetown. For further details please call Phil Hampton Race Director on telephone 01752 401062 or email, alternatively call the Race Secretary on telephone 01752 330768 or email.
Saturday 5th June 8.30 - 1p.m. Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fairtrade goods, cheeses, cakes, preserves and plants. Ring Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 5th June Produce marketon the 1st Saturday of each month at the Victory hall in Lewdown (between Moretonhampstead and Exeter) 10 to 1p.m. Stalls include Locally Baked Bread, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Poultry, Fish, Fruit & Veg, Herbs & Spices, Fresh Eggs, Tasty Local Cheese, Hand Made Fudges, Home made Preserves, Antiques and bric a brac.
Saturday 5th June 7.30a.m. Devon Wildlife Trust Ringing Birds in Dunsford Woods. Map reference SX803883. Saturday 5th June 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 5th June 10 - 4p.m. Devon Wildlife Trust Wildlife Festival at The Piazza, Plymouth City Centre. A family day out - a midsummer's celebration of Devon's wildlife and the rural and urban landscapes that support it.
Saturday 5th June 8p.m. Quiz fun night at the Conservative Club, Okehampton. Everyone welcome.
Saturday 5th June and Sunday 6th June 10 - 4p.m. each day. Dartmoor Arts Storytelling Weekend with Stephen Park and Wilf Merttens, Drewsteignton, Dartmoor. Cost £125, booking essential. An invitation to delve into the ancient art of storytelling, no previous experience necessary just bring along a story, be it Greek myth, Grimm tale or protracted anecdote, and the desire to experience the thrill of performance. Wilf is a young award winning poet and storyteller, and Stephen is a middle aged comic performer, artist and teacher! Dartmoor Arts website for further details.
Saturday 5th June and Sunday 6th June 10 'til 4p.m. National Garden Open Day,6 private gardens and the garden at Parke Estate, Bovey Tracey will be open today. The gardens of Ashwell, Yonder, Old Whitstone, Hilary house, Whitstone House, Southbrook Court and 11 St. Peter's Close will all be open. Come and see what’s been happening in the Walled Garden since Bovey Climate Action Group have adopted the garden. Tel. 01626 834748, or email the National Trust at Bovey Tracey for further information.
Sunday 6th June 11.30a.m. Canoe trip on the river Tamar, led by Canoe Tamar an opportunity to get close to wildlife during a three hour paddle up to Weir Quay and back in three seater canoes. Meet at Morwellham Quay (£2 pay & display parking required). Wear suitable clothing and footwear, bring a picnic. Buoyancy aids provided. Book by 1st May £22 per person under 5 years free, call Fran McMurray on 01822 612460.
Sunday 6th June 10 - 5p.m. Tavistock Steam Fair at The Wharf, and Bedford car park. On display and in action steam rollers, traction engines, steam car/lorries and scale steam engines. Vintage and classic cars and the Tavistock Tractor Trail. Many stalls and entertainment.For further info call 01822 854108. Admission Adults £3.50 Children under 16 free.
Sunday 6th June 2.30 - 5.30p.m. Andrew's Corner Belstone, EX20 1RD. Home made teas. Tel 01837 840332 or email Robin & Edwina for further details. Location 3 miles E of Okehampton. Signed to Belstone. In village signed Skaigh. Parking restricted but cars may be left on nearby common. Visitors also welcome by appointment. Admission £3, child free. 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 includes alpines, rhododendrons, bulbs and maples, spectacular autumn colour. Organic kitchen garden, greenhouse and chickens. Wheelchair access difficult when wet
Sunday 6th June 11 - 5p.m. Coombe Sculpture Garden, Tavistock, Devon. 2-acre S-sloping garden around C17 farm house in secluded wooded valley. Variety of garden habitats preserving ancient features with an emphasis on providing for wildlife. Planted with hellebores and bulbs. Unusual trees incl magnolia campbellii, shrubs and herbaceous plants for all year colour. Tamar valley fruit orchard, organic vegetable garden. Spring-fed streams, pools and mill pond.
Sunday 6th June 10 - 6p.m. Dartington Hall Gardens, Dartington, Devon. 28 acre modern garden, created since 1925 around C14 medieval hall (not open). Courtyard and tournament ground. Dry landscape Japanese garden. Extensive wild flower meadows, mixed shrub and herbaceous border. Peter Randall-Page sculpture.
Sunday 6th June 2 - 5p.m. Southcombe Gardens, Dartmoor Widecombe-in-the Moor, Devon. Village famous for its Fair, Uncle Tom Cobley and its C14 church - the 'Cathedral of the Moor'. Featured in RHS 'The Garden'. Southcombe Barn: 3-acre woodland garden with exotic and native trees between long lawn and rocky stream. Clearings blaze with wild flowers and survivor garden flowers. Meadow in recently-cleared area. Southcombe House: 5 acres, SE-facing garden, arboretum and wild flower meadow with bulbs in spring and four orchid species (early purple, southern marsh, common spotted and greater butterfly). On steep slope at 900ft above sea level with fine views to nearby tors. Refreshments home-made teas. Combined admission £4, child free.
Sunday 6th June 11 - 4p.m. Food Glorious Food at Castle Drogo near to Chagford. Grow your Own Food Trail. Follow the clues around the garden and grounds and learn about food that you can easily grow yourself. £1.50 per child including prize. Normal admission prices apply. Take a look at the Castle website for more.
Sunday 6th June 6.30p.m. Storytelling Showcase performance at the Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton. Cost £5, all welcome. Come and see the storytelling students perform along with Stephen and Wilf, plus live music and much more.
Wednesday 9th June 2 - 4p.m. Planting the Fragrant Garden with the Head Gardener at Castle Drogo. A unique chance to help our Head Gardener plant out the two borders in our fragrant garden. Learn why particular plants are chosen and how to plant out correctly. £5 per person. Booking essential on (01647) 433306.See the Castle website for more.
Wednesday 9th June 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 9th June 8p.m. Ancient trees and the Woodland trust an illustrated talk by Steve Beech at the Parish Church Centre, Plymouth Road, Tavistock (next to the Bedford Hotel) £3 (including refreshments) suggested donation to Devon Wildlife Trust.
Wednesday 9th June Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information. Read Jill's food review of the Curry evening by clicking right here.
Wednesday 9th June 8.30 to 9p.m. £1 entry returned in prizes Quiz night at The Globe Inn, Chagford.
Thursday 10th June From 9 'til 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 10th June 10 - 4p.m. Join the Friends of Andrew's Wood for their monthly practical work party. Meet at main car park (grid ref SX 713 520). Please wear suitable clothing and footwear, bring a pack lunch and all tools will be provided. Contact Gordon Waterhouse on 01548 852570 or Jackiet Gage on 01392 279244.
Friday 11th June 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 etc.
Saturday 12th June 10 - 12, 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 info tel 01647 24453.
Saturday 12th June Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1p.m. Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 12th June 11 - 4p.m. Craft Fair at Finch Foundry, near to Okehampton. A free exhibition and opportunity to buy the work of some of Devon’s best crafts’ people. Normal admission charges apply. Further information on 01837 840046 or email the National Trust at Finch Foundry.
Saturday 12th June at the Jubilee Hall from 2 - 6p.m. Chagford Energy Fair, presented by CASE (Chagford Action for Renewable Energy) Renewable Energy suppliers and installers, presentations, info and lots more. Do come help save money and the planet.
Sunday 13th June 10.30 - 12.30p.m. Nature reserve visit at Church Town Farm Nature Reserve, park off Wearde Road, Saltash, on road approaching Community School, grid ref SX 421 581. Well behaved dogs welcome, contact 01752 892984 for further details. Suggested donation of £2 per adult.
Sunday 13th June From 2.30 to 5.30p.m. at Andrew's Corner Belstone, EX20 1RD, 3miles east of Okehampton. Signposted to Belstone. In village, then signposted to Skaigh. Home made teas. Tel 01837 840332 or email Robin and Edwina for further info. Parking restricted but cars may be parked on nearby common. Visitors also welcome by appointment. Adult £3, children enter for free. 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 yr-round effect incl alpines, rhododendrons, bulbs and maples; spectacular autumn colour. Organic kitchen garden, greenhouse and chickens. Featured on ITV 'Wild Gardens', 'Devon Life,'Country Homes and Interiors' magazines. Wheelchair access difficult when wet.
Sunday 13th June 2 - 6p.m. The Stannary, Mary Tavy, near to Tavistock. Informal 2-acre country garden with magnificent views of Dartmoor, situated behind 16th century and Victorian house, once tin miner's shop. 900ft above sea level, gardening here is a challenge. Originally a field, planting is naturalistic with areas for wildlife, ponds and meadow. Visitors are also welcome by appointment with minimum parties of 10 taken, single coach possible. Cream teas on offer. Admission is £3.50, children get in for free.
Sunday 13th June Open from 2 'til 5p.m. Southcombe Gardens, Widecombe-in-the Moor, Dartmoor, Devon. A village famous for its Fair, Uncle Tom Cobley. Southcombe Barn: 3-acre woodland garden with exotic and native trees between long lawn and rocky stream. Clearings blaze with wild flowers and survivor garden flowers. Meadow in recently-cleared area. Southcombe House: 5 acres, SE-facing garden, arboretum and wild flower meadow with bulbs in spring and four orchid species (early purple, southern marsh, common spotted and greater butterfly). On a steep slope at 900 feet above sea level with fine views to nearby tors. Refreshments come in the form of home made teas. Combined admission £4, children free.
Tuesday 15th June Manaton Market takes place on the 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.
Wednesday 16th June 9 to 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market is held every Wednesday at Community Hall at Christow. Please ontact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 16th June Curry night is every Wednesday night at The
Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information. Click here to read Jill's food review.
Thursday 17th June 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 17th June From 1 to 3p.m. Living in Plymbridge Woods, near to 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, children £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge, Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential (Monday to Friday) telephone 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further information.
Thursday 17th June Horse racing night £5 per ticket all welcome. Take a look at the Sandy Park Inn website for more info.
Friday 18th June Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1p.m. at the Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local veg, second hand books, etc.
Saturday 19th June 9 'til 1 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 19th June 8.30 - 1p.m. Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fairtrade goods, cheeses, preserves and locally grown plants. Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 19th June Spring Dartmoor Hill Pony Sale will be held at Chagford. All ponies will be head collar trained. For further details contact Charlotte Faulkner on 01364 361036 or take a look at the Dartmoor Hill Pony website.
Saturday 19th June and Sunday 20th June 10.30 - 5p.m.
Cleave House, Sticklepath. A half-acre garden with mixed planting for all season interest.
National Collection of Hostas with 1000 varieties.
Visitors are also welcome by appointment from May to August. Contact Ann & Roger Bowden by email or telephone them on 01837 840481 Admission £2.50, children are welcome to enter for free.
A share of the proceeds will be going to the NCCPG.
Saturday 19th June to Sunday 27th June Did you know that this week is National Bike week ? It's the UK's largest cycling
event and it takes place all over the country. Find out more where to go and what to see including by clicking here.
Saturday 19th June + 20th June are the dates for Chagford Open Gardens. At addresses all round Chagford, beautiful private gardens will be open for your inspection. Between 10 and 4, on both days.) Further informtion- Rosemary 01647 432690
Sunday 20th June 11 - 4p.m. Have we got newts for you. Location near Trews Weir bridge, Riverside Valley Park, Exeter. Cycle down to the Exe for some family pond dipping and close encounters with watery wildlife.
Sunday 20th June 11 - 5p.m. Father’s Day Weekend Classic Car Event. Why not bring your Dad along and celebrate Fathers Day at Castle Drogo? There will be plenty to enjoy from displays of classic cars, tours from the gardener or why not make your Dad a unique Father’s Day gift? (£1.50 per child). Once you have worked up a thirst, sample the range of beers from Redrock Brewery in our Beer Tent and then round your visit off by treating your Father to a delicious lunch of hearty bangers and mash and a bottle of beer. Lunch £10 per person, booking advisable. Telephone (01647) 434144.
Sunday 20th June 11 - 5p.m. Coombe Sculpture Garden Tavistock, Devon. 2-acre south sloping garden around farmhouse in secluded wooded valley. Variety of garden habitats preserving ancient features with an emphasis on providing for wildlife. Planted with hellebores and bulbs. Unusual trees incl magnolia campbellii, shrubs and herbaceous plants for all-yearr colour. Tamar valley fruit orchard, organic vegetable garden. Spring-fed streams, pools and mill pond.
Sunday 20th June 1.30 - 5.30p.m. Heathercombe, Manaton, Devon. 30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds and lake; hundreds of specimen trees; woodland garden and fernery; extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of rhododendrons; wild flower meadow in orchard of West Country fruit trees; 2 attractive cottage gardens with interesting herbaceous plantings and newly-established bog/stream garden.
Sunday 20th June 2 - 5.30p.m. Portington, near Lamerton, Devon.Garden in peaceful rural setting with fine views over surrounding countryside. Mixed planting with shrubs and borders. Walk to a small lake through woodland and fields, which have recently been designated a county wildlife site. Visitors welcome by appointment 14 June to 31 July only, no coaches. Admission £2.50, child free (share to Plymouth Samaritans).
Sunday 20th June 2 - 5p.m. Southcombe Gardens, Dartmoor, Widecombe-in-the Moor, Devon. Village famous for C14 church - the 'Cathedral of the Moor'. Featured in RHS 'The Garden'. Southcombe Barn: 3-acre woodland garden with exotic and native trees between long lawn and rocky stream. Clearings blaze with wild flowers and survivor garden flowers. Meadow in recently-cleared area. Southcombe House: 5 acres, SE-facing garden, arboretum and wild flower meadow with bulbs in spring and four orchid species (early purple, southern marsh, common spotted and greater butterfly). On steep slope at 900ft above sea level with fine views to nearby tors. Refreshments home-made teas. Combined admission £4, child free.
Sunday 20th June 2 - 6p.m. Sowton Mill, Dunsford, Devon Visitors also welcome by appointment. 4 acres laid out around former mill (not open), leat and river. Part woodland with multitudes of wild flowers in Spring, ornamental trees,shrubs, mixed borders. Year round interest. Home made teas. Admission £3, child free (share to Cygnet Training Theatre).
Sunday 20th June 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 23rd June 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 23rd June Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Great pub very friendly Jill recommends the food. 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 24th June 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 24th June 6p.m. - 8p.m. Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, Devon. Medium-sized Grade II* listed garden with formal structures designed by George Dillistone during the late 1920s. These consist of formal rose beds, herbaceous borders and circular croquet lawn surrounded by mature yew hedges. Rhododendron garden overlooks spectacular views of Teign valley gorge and Dartmoor.Take a look at the Castle website for more.
Friday 25th June 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.
June 25th - July 11th. EXETER FESTIVAL

Exeter's Grand summer Festival that brings the City to fever pitch.
Theatre, comedy, this year with Dr. Phil Hammond, Arther Smith,
Exeter comedy Club, classical music, talks, children's events, exhibitions, 2 stunning ballet events, a poetry party for children, art workshops, things going on at Exeter Quayside and the craft Festival on Cathedral Green, Flash Opera Traviata, Street parties.
At various venues around the city.
There is a very informative brochure on all the events which is available at the Tourist Information Centre in the city (well signposted) For anyone with disabilities, click
here for the details of concessions and facilities at each of the Festival venues.

Friday 25th June9.30p.m. Moth Trapping at Andrew's Wood nature reserve, grid ref SX 713 520.Please bring wellies, torch, warm clothing, insect repellent, dark glasses as moth trap lights very bright, drink and perhaps a snack.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.Please contact Barry Henwood on 01626 364080 for further details. Saturday Saturday 26th June 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 26th June Whiddon Down Produce Market is held every 4th Saturday of the month in the Village Hall.Vegetables, summer fruits, lots of jams and chutneys in season. Pies and home made cakes.
Saturday 26th June Village Market usually the 4th Saturday of the month, 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 26th June Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1p.m. Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 26th and 27th June Moretonhampstead Secret Gardens. 12 Gardens to visit, £5 admission, tickets available at the Moretonhampstead Tourist Information shop, for more information contact John Casson telephone 01647 440483.
Saturday 26th June to Sunday 27th June 11 - 4p.m. Castle Drogo, National Trust Tea Party Weekend. 100 years since Julius Drewe, the founder of Home and Colonial Stores acquired the land to build Castle Drogo, why not come along and toast the occasion with the unique opportunity to enjoy a traditional Edwardian afternoon tea on the Chapel Roof? Booking advisable on (01647) 434144. Put your Tea Tasting skills to the test with Teas Me, then follow the Tea Trail and learn about famous literary tea parties. You can also enjoy traditional games of the time, and music of the period. Take a look at the Castle website for more information.
Saturday 26th June to Sunday 27th June 10.30 - 5p.m. Cleave House, Sticklepath. Garden open for charity. ½-acre garden with mixed planting for all season interest. National collection of Hostas with 1000 varieties. Visitors welcome by appointment May-Aug. Contact Ann & Roger Bowden by email or tel 01837 840481 Admission £2.50, child free (share to NCCPG).
Sunday 27th June 12 - 3p.m. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Lydford Gorge, near Okehampton. Bring a picnic and join the party. Enter the Mad Hatter’s hat competition (please make and bring hats with you). Normal admission charges apply. For information telephone 01822 820320/820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further information.
Sunday 27th June In Okehampton's Simmons Park. Don't miss the Donkey Derby today. Organised by the Lions Club
Sunday 27th June 2 - 6p.m. Alder, Lewdown, Devon. Large garden created over last 23 years with shrubs and herbaceous areas and views over landscaped valley. Woodland walks with 4-acre lake in former quarry. Bluebell wood in spring. Rill and water feature. 170 metre lime avenue leading to pond. New 3-acre vineyard. Disability information,some gravel paths. Refreshments,cream teas. Visitors also welcome by appointment. Admission £3, child free.
2 - 4p.m. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Parke Estate, Bovey Tracey. Make a hat and get involved in lots of other fun activities in the walled garden. Child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Booking is essential (Mon to Fri only) telephone 01626 834748 or email the National Trust at Bovey Trust for further information.
Sunday 27th June 2 - 5.30p.m. Portington, near Lamerton, Devon. Garden in peaceful rural setting with fine views over surrounding countryside. Mixed planting with shrubs and borders. Walk to small lake through woodland and fields, which have recently been designated a county wildlife site. No coaches. Admission £2.50, child free (share to Plymouth Samaritans).

Sunday 27th June. The Victoria Inn, North Street, Ashburton. website. Telephone 01364 652402. SMOKESTACK will be playing from 5.00-7.00p.m.
Sunday 27th June 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.
Wednesday 30th June 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 30th June Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.