What's on Dartmoor Diary October 2010

up to Sunday 3rd October British Food Fortnight at castle Drogo. Celebrate this event in our café with the best in home-cooked food using seasonal produce in traditional and nostalgic recipes. A different hot lunch and delicious pudding available each day of the fortnight.
up to Sunday 31st October 10.30 - 5p.m., last admission to the garden and tea rooms is at 4.30pm. The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Devon. 8 acres, includes romantic walled garden surrounding ruins of medieval vicarage. Other areas pioneering 'new naturalism' style, inspired by great natural landscapes. South African garden, quarry garden, cottage garden, acer glade. Stunning views and more than 6000 plant varieties. Famous for Spring bulb meadow, rhododendrons, camellias, innovative planting and yr-round colour and interest. Limited wheelchair access, some steep slopes. Admission £6.00, child £2.50.
Friday 1st October 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 1st October 5.30 - 9p.m. Drogo in a Different Light. A unique chance to see the House as a guest at a Drewe family party would have in the 1930’s with a special Autumn evening tour of the Castle. Round off this fantastic experience with a glass of bubbly while watching the sun set on the Castle roof (weather permitting) before enjoying a delicious supper in our cafe. £20 per person. Booking essential on 01647 434144.
Saturday 2nd October 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 & Veg, Herbs & Spices, Fresh Eggs, Tasty Local Cheese, Hand Made Fudges, Home made Preserves, Antiques and bric a brac.
Saturday 2nd October 11 - 3p.m. Orchard Apple Day, Parke Estate, Bovey Tracey. Help collect and press the apples into delicious juice. Fun and games in and around the apple orchard. Child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Further information on 01626 834748 or email The National Trust at Bovey Tracey for more details.
Tuesday 5th October 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 6th October 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 6th October Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 7th October 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 7th October 1 - 3p.m. Fungus Foray, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. Join an expert and see how many species of fungi you can identify. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Booking essential (Mon to Fri only) on Telephone 01752 341377 or email The National Trust at Plym Bridge for more details.
Friday 8th October 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 8th October 11 – 4p.m. Who is the Green Man? A symbol of rebirth and immortality? A vital archetype within us all? A workshop with Judith Richardson Dawes at Castle Drogo. Delight in fabulous images of the Green Man from Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance Art. Create a Green Man Leaf Mask of your own, Illuminating one leaf with finest gold! For all abilities. Includes coffee and lunch as well as tuition. £30 per person including light lunch, £25 without. Booking essential telephone 01647 434144.
Saturday 9th October Jumpcross at Chagford. Jumpcross course including purpose built water complex, ditches and steps, easy view for spectators, 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 9th October Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1p.m. Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 9th October 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 9th October 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.
Sunday 10th October 10 - 12 noon Fungi Foray in Hembury Woods, nr Buckfast. Stroll through the woods with the warden and a mushroom expert, looking at the variety of fungi abundant at this time of year. Meet in lower car park Grid Ref SX 728 680. Adult £4, child £2. Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01626 834748 or email The National Trust for further information.
Wednesday 13th October 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 13th October 10 - 4p.m. Lecture Lunches at Castle Drogo. Digital Photography Workshop – “Get to grips with your camera” Do you want to understand your camera better and capture great images? Enjoy an informative day with local photographer Adrian Oakes, learning how to get the very best from your digital camera. The workshop includes power point presentations using a high resolution projector, practical sessions, photography techniques, composition, understanding depth of field, using RAW, filters, macro, how to shoot panoramas, the best equipment to use, discussions and a chance to try out various camera equipment. Don’t forget to bring your own camera! Includes lunch. £35.00 per person. Booking essential on telephone 01647 434144.
Wednesday 13th October Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information. Check out the Victoria Inn food review by Jill.
Thursday 14th October 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 14th October 1 - 3p.m. Fungus Foray, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. Join an expert and see how many species of fungi you can identify. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Booking essential (Mon to Fri only) on 01752 341377 or email The National Trust at Plym Bridge for further details.
Friday 15th October 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 16th October 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 16th October 11 - 3p.m. Family Orienteering, Parke Estate, Bovey Tracey. Follow clues and see if you can not get lost in the woods! Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by adults). Meet in main car park, Grid Ref SX 805 786. Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01626 834748 or email The National Trust for more details.
Saturday 16th October Buckfastleigh Music Festival, more information to follow soon.
Sunday 17th October 2.30 - 5.30p.m. Andrew's Corner Belstone, EX20 1RD. 3 miles E of Okehampton. Signed to Belstone. In village signed Skaigh. Home-made teas. Tel 01837 840332 or email Robin & Edwina for further info. Parking restricted but cars may be left on nearby common. Visitors 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 17th October 7.30a.m. - 10a.m. Autumn Woodland Deer Walk and Breakfast at Castle Drogo. Join this guided walk during the fallow deer rut. Your chance to hopefully see and hear the deer and find the signs of their life in the colourful woods. Afterwards enjoy a delicious home cooked full English Breakfast in our Café. £16 per person, £10 for children aged 5 -12. Booking essential on (01647) 434144.
Tuesday 19th October 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 telephone 01647 221302 for further details.
Wednesday 20th October to Sunday 24th October Plant Sale at Castle Drogo. Grab yourself a bargain in the Plant Centre at the Castle where all prices will be reduced on these dates.
Wednesday 20th October 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 20th October Curry night Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.
Thursday 22nd October 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Friday 22nd October 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 23rd October 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 23rd October Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1p.m. Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves. Take home some cooking apples for the freezer . Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 23rd October Jumpcross at Chagford. 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 most welcome. The course is at the farm of Kathryn Northway, where livery is also available. e-mail Kathryn. Tel 01647 432089 Broadhalls Farm, Chagford. (TQ13 8EH for horseboxes with sat nav !)
Saturday 23rd October Village Market usually the 4th Saturday of the month, 9.30 am to 3.00 pm. 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 23rd October 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 23rd October to Sunday 31st October 11 – 4p.m. Halloween Trail at Castle Drogo. Prepare to be scared! Search out Halloween characters around the garden and grounds and discover what makes them scary. Normal admission prices apply and £1.50 per child (including prize).
Saturday 23rd October to Sunday 31st October 10 – 3p.m. Children’s Hallowe’en Trail at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Discover the myths and legends of Dartmoor on this self-led trail around Witches’ Wood. Suitable for children aged 4+. Prize for completed trails. £1.50 per child. Normal admission charges apply. For further information telephone 01822 820320/820441 or email The National Trust at Lydford Gorge for more details.
Sunday 24th October 12 noon - 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 for further details.
Wednesday 27th October 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 27th October 10 - 12 noon 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 at Plym Bridge for further information.
Wednesday 27th October 12 noon – 3p.m. Children’s Mask and Hat Making at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Get kitted out for Hallowe’en. Make a bat mask, witch’s or wizard’s hat, and spooky spider. Suitable for children aged 4+. £2.50 per child. Normal admission charges apply. For information telephone 01822 820320/820441 or email The National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further information.
Wednesday 27th October 11 - 3p.m. Forest Playday at Haldon Forest Park, EX6 7XR. Come and explore the forest, lots of fun and activities for all ages. Take a look at their website for further information.
Wednesday 27th October Curry night Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.
Thursday 28th October 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Friday 29th October 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 29th October 6pm onwards Spooky Night at the Gorge, Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Meet the characters from the Hallowe’en trail as they come to life for the evening. Bring a torch. Followed by a mug of soup at the tearooms. £4 per person. Booking essential on 01822 820320/820441 or email The National Trust for further information.
Saturday 30th October 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 30th October 6.30 - 8.30p.m. Halloween, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. Follow the candlelit trail and see how many Halloween characters you can find along the way. Collect your prize on completion. Adult £1, child £3. Meet at Plym Bridge, Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential (Mon to Fri only) on 01752 341377 or email The National Trust at Plym Bridge for further details.
Sunday 31st October 11 – 1p.m. & 2 - 4p.m. Halloween Activities at Castle Drogo. Make your own Halloween creation to scare all your family and friends. Normal admission prices apply and £1 per child.