Wednesday 1st December 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.

 

Wednesday 1st December. Why not take a guided walk on Dartmoor planned for today, with guide S. Berry, called Walk, King and Castles, starting out from Lydford at 10a.m. The walk links Okehampton and Lydford Castle as closely as possible using the ancient King Way track. BUT walkers need to be fit and well equipped for this walk as it will take around 5 hours to complete. Good luck with the weather ! More information about December guided walks can be found by clicking here.
Wednesday 1st December Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information or to book a table. It's a friendly pub that I have written about in my my food reviews.
Thursday 2nd December 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre with local produce for sale and fair trade refreshments on offer. Contact 07799 534109.

Thursday 2nd December. Moretonhampstead's market in the Parish Hall is on today starting at 9. Telephone 01647 277528 for any further information.

Thursday 2nd December. It's Ashburton's late night shopping tonight when the shops in town will be staying open until 8. With carol singing and Christmassy stalls for all. I hear that Santa will be making an appearance too.
Friday 3rd December 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, and even necklaces made from buttons. Refreshments are available and it's free to get in.

Friday 3rd December. Starting at 5p.m. tonight, Ivybridge will be holding it's Festive Bonanza with a fancy dress parade, street entertainment, a craft market and the official switching on of the town lights. Tel 01752 893815 for more info.

Friday 3rd December An evening in the church with Lauceston Male Voice Choir at St. mary's church Lifton this evening. Starts at 7.30. Admission is £6 to include refreshments. All proceeds to go to Lifton Church. Enquiries to Lucy Barriball on 01566 784376 or Molly Andrews on 01566 784258. Everyone welcome.

Friday 3rd December HOUSE !!! Eyes down this evening at Bere Alston for the
Carnival Christmas Bingo with great prizes, poultry and meat, and seasonal fare.
It's all on at the School Hall where doors open at 7.30 and eyes down will commence at 8p.m.

Saturday 4th December. A coffee morning on behalf of Devon German Shepherd Dog rescue will get underway at 9.30 this morning and run til 12.30 at the United Reformed Church Hall in Russell Street in Tavistock. With a tombola, books stall, cakes, bric a brac, and a good raffle. If you need any further information, then call on 01822 880235.

Saturday 4th December from 2.30 Christmas Fair at Whiddon Down Village Hall on behalf of the Methodist Chapel. Come along and join in with Christmas time stalls and a bumper raffle.

Refreshments, mince pies, Xmas gifts etc. All very welcome.

Saturday 4th December. Starting at 10a.m. today, you can join a 4 hour guided walk starting out at Tyrwhitt's Horse drawn Railway. (at Princetown) A circular walk along the route of the Princetown Railway to re-discover the line of Tyrwhitt's original horse-drawn tramway to Princetown. Today's guide will be S Dell and the contact tel no is 07845 176870. The distance will be 6 miles, so take a warm drink and something to eat in your backpack.

Saturday 4th December.There will be an all day Christmas Fair on today at Brentor Village Hall from 10.30 to 4. With coffees, lunches, teas, gift stalls and Christmas produce stalls. Children can visit Santa's Grotto and all proceeds will go to the village hall funds.

Saturday 4th December. Starting at 2p.m. Buckland in the Moor will be holding their Grand Xmas Bazaar today. With a Tombola, Jewellery, Gifts, Bric a Brac, Cake and Produce Stall, a Guess the Weight of Cake competition, a Raffle, Plants for sale and refreshments with mince pies available. All very festive.

Saturday 4th December. At East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve - come and make some Natural Christmas Cards.

Until 3pm. Be inspired by these fantastic woods, collect natural treasures and create a naturally inspired Xmas card to send to someone special and help make some amazing artwork. For more information contact the reserve on 01626 832330 or check our website www.naturalengland.org.uk (external site, opens new window). This event is organised by Natural England. Meet at Yarner Wood car park, off the Bovey- Manaton Road on the way to Becky Falls.

Saturday 4th December Ivybridge Festive Entertainment and Craft Market. Ivybridge Town Centre.

Craft market, Santa's grotto, entertainment and much more.

Contact the Town Council on 01752 893815.

 

Saturday 4th (8 til 8)and Sunday 5th (8 til 5) of December West Point Arena Exeter. The South West Christmas Equine Fair! Safe from the wintery weather you will be able to enjoy the fascinating arena demonstrations, over 150 equestrian retailers, spread throughout the main hall and annex, and the thousands of products and gifts to see, touch and buy. Come and see Oliver Townend, International three day eventer. Oliver is firmly established as Britain's number one three-day event rider and was winner at last year's Badminton and Burghley and Geoff Billington, International show jumper has been a leading figure on the show jumping circuit for over 30 years. He boasts both European and World Championship team bronze medals and has won numerous grands prix. Geoff and Oliver will be conducting two 45 minute demos each on both the Saturday and the Sunday. Opening Times are 8.30am - 5pm daily Adults: £10, Seniors: £9, Children (5-16): £7, Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £26 and Under 5's are free. Cheaper tickets if booked in advance.
Contact Details telephone 01392 421500. Visit the website for more.
Saturday 4th December 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 4th December.

The Dartmoor Pony Drift sale

at the Cattle market in Tavistock.

Starting at 10.30.

Ring Ward and Chowen at Tavistock

01822 610080

for further information.

If anyone wants information on buying ponies, transport,

care training and welfare of these sometimes needy ponies

please contact:-

Charlotte Faulkner

of the
Dartmoor Hill Pony Association

on 01364 631 036

or email redshed@eclipse.co.uk

or check out the Dartmoor Hill Pony Society website.

Saturday 4th December Produce marketon 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, Local Cheese, Hand Made Fudges, Home made Preserves, Antiques, bric a brac.
Saturday 4th December to Sunday 5th December From 11 in the morning until 4p.m. Christmas is Coming! A chance to see parts of Castle Drogo decorated for Christmas, enjoy the festive food served in our cafe and buy some special gifts from our Shop. You can also follow our Christmas Trail around the Castle and grounds and find out how different National Trust properties across the nation will be celebrating Christmas. Winter admission charges apply. The trail costs £1.50 per child (including a prize). You can find out more about events at the Castle by logging onto their website.
Saturday 4th December to Sunday 5th December 12 – 3p.m. Christmas Feasting at Castle Drogo. Enjoy a traditional Christmas Roast lunch and home made Christmas pudding and mince pies served with clotted cream all of the finest local produce. Available in our new café from £7.95 per person.

Sunday 5th December Carol Singing + Music Workshops in St James Chapel, Fore Street, Okehampton EX20 1HH. Devon's folk and community arts development charity Wren Music, in association with All Saints Parish Church, Okehampton,
presents a series of free workshops for all singers and musicians who want to come along and learn, sing and play carols from the Westcountry tradition. The carols workshops are free, thanks to generous support from the Okehampton United Charity, and will lead up to this year's Carols at St James' evening, to be held on Tuesday 14th December at 7.45pm in St James Chapel. For further information, please contact Wren Music, 1 St James Street, Okehampton, Devon EX20 1DW, telephone 01837 53754, or email or find us on www.wrenmusic.co.uk
Sunday 5th December 11 – 4p.m. Festive Food Fair at Castle Drogo. Your chance to sample and buy a wide variety of delicious, high quality food and drink from local growers and producers. A great opportunity to buy food and drink for the festive season or find tasty gifts that are bound to be appreciated! Winter admission charges apply. Castle website.
Sunday 5th December 12 - 3p.m. Christmas Taste and Tipple in the National Trust Shop at Castle Drogo. A wide selection for you to try at this festive time to help your celebrations go with a swing. Each Sunday will be a different offer, phone 01647 434144 for more details. Or visit the Castle website.

Sunday 5th December Put your creative skills to the test at the Creative Recycling Christmas celebration where we will be turning waste into wildlife art! Meet at Stover Country Park Interpretation Centre. This is a family activity for children aged 8 - 12 (parents and younger siblings are welcome). £3 per child or free for members. To book or for membership details please call 01626821966 or 01626 334470.
Tuesday 7th December 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 8th December 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.

Wednesday 8th December 7.30pm The DWT Wetlands Project are hosting an illustrated talk by Pete Burgess of DWT. Taking place at the Church hall, Ashburton Rd, Bovey Tracey. There is a suggested donation of £3.
Wednesday 8th December It's Curry night every Wednesday night at
The Victoria Inn in Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 to book a table or for further information.

Thursday 9th December 9a.m. to 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Friday 10th December 1 - 3p.m. Industries of Dewerstone, Shaugh Bridge. Explore the history of this area and discover the industrial uses of charcoal, iron and clay. Adult £4, child £2. Meet at Shaugh Bridge, Grid Ref SX 533 637. Booking essential (Mon to Fri only) on telephone 01752 341377 or email The National Trust for further details.
Friday 10th December 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 veg etc.
Saturday 11th December Tavistock Farmers Marketin Bedford Square 9 til 1p.m. Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 11th December 10 - 12 noon, Hittisleigh Market held in Hittisleigh village hall, every 2nd Saturday. There will be available produce, meat, cheese, plants, cakes, preserves etc. Telephone Shirley for further details 01647 24453.

Saturday 11th December From 4p.m. to 7p.m. Christmas Fair at Moretonhampstead Primary School.

A mini Christmas fair, situated in the School, from 4 - 7pm with stalls selling Gifts and Christmas Goodies (please contact us if you would like details of the costs for a stall). Mince Pies and Mulled wine will be available Santa Claus will be visiting the school and coming to switch on the lights. Following the switch on a selection of Christmas carols will be performed around the tree by the Moortones and Moorhens. Some selected for you to sing along .Excellent raffle prizes, quality stalls, creative activities, face painting, tombola, lucky dip, refreshments and lots, lots more! Come and join the festive fun.
Saturday 11th December to Sunday 12th December 12 – 3p.m. Christmas Feasting at Castle Drogo. Enjoy a traditional Christmas Roast lunch and home made Christmas pudding and mince pies served with clotted cream all of the finest local produce. Available in our new café from £7.95 per person.
Saturday 11th December to Sunday 12th December 11 - 4p.m. Drogo Christmas. Return to the 1930s for this popular event with its wonderful Christmas atmosphere. See parts of the Castle traditionally decorated and visit Father Christmas in his fantastic grotto where children can receive a special present. Winter admission charges apply + £2 for Father Christmas per child including National Trust members.

Sunday 12th December Led by the Rev David Easton, a carol service at Whiddon Down Village Hall 6.30p.m. followed by tea and mince pies for all. Further information ring June on 01647 231212. So Come all ye faithful !!

Sunday 12th December from 7.00 to 9.00pm. Carol Singing + Music Workshops in St James Chapel, Fore Street, Okehampton EX20 1HH. The workshops will be led by Wren's Music Director Paul Wilson, who has prepared arrangements of popular favourites and some lesser-known carols and Christmas songs. All voices and all instruments are welcome, and all ages and all levels of ability are welcome.The carols workshops are free, thanks to generous support from the Okehampton United Charity, and will lead up to this year's 'Carols at St James' evening, to be held on Tuesday 14th December at 7.45pm in St James Chapel. For further information, please contact Wren Music, 1 St James Street, Okehampton, Devon EX20 1DW. Telephone 01837 53754, or email or find us on www.wrenmusic.co.uk
Sunday 12th December 12 - 3p.m. Christmas Taste and Tipple in the National Trust Shop at Castle Drogo. A wide selection for you to try at this festive time to help your celebrations go with a swing. Each Sunday will be a different offer, phone (01647) 434144 for more details.
Tuesday 14th December Don't miss late night shopping in Chagford. A great chance to get any last minute presents.
Tuesday 14th December Manaton Market every 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 14th December at 7.45pm 'A Carols at St James' evening, is to be held in St James Chapel in Fore Street, Okehampton EX20 1HH this evening. A chance for all those people who have been attending the November and December Carol Singing + Music Workshop attendees to finally sing out the Christmas Spirit. For further information, please log onto the website where further details of the project as well as plenty of information on Wren Music's full programme of adult and youth choirs and orchestras throughout Devon can be found. The Wren Trust telephone number should you need it is 01837 53754.
Wednesday 15th December from 9 til 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall in Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 15th December Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 16th December 9am to 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near to the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.

Thursday 16th, Friday 17th and Saturday 18th December.
Come along to the Christmas gift fayre at Tavistock with over 25 stalls of quality giftware for last minute Christmas shoppers. Free to enter at Tavistock Town Hall, and open from 10 until 4pm.

See Tavistock Town Hall website for further details.
Friday 17th December 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 veg etc.
Saturday 18th December Village Market usually the 4th Saturday of the Month, 9.30 to 3.00p.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 18th December 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 18th December 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 18th December 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 18th December to Thursday 23rd December 11 - 4p.m. Drogo Christmas. Return to the 1930s for this popular event with its wonderful Christmas atmosphere. See parts of the Castle traditionally decorated and visit Father Christmas in his fantastic grotto where children can receive a special present. Winter admission charges apply + £2 for Father Christmas per child incl. NT Members.
Saturday 18th December to Sunday 19th December 12 - 3p.m. Christmas Feasting at Castle Drogo. Enjoy a traditional Christmas Roast lunch and home made Christmas pudding and mince pies served with clotted cream all of the finest local produce. Available in our café near to the Visitor Centre at the Castle from £7.95 per person. Visit the Castle website.
Saturday 18th December starting at 9.30a.m at Widecombe.

Today Father Christmas will be riding on his pony and trap down Widecombe hill and touring the village before distributing his FREE gifts to children aged 11 and under.With mulled wine and mince pies, hot chestnuts and old fashioned games and fircone decorating, this is a country treat organised by the National Trust that you must not miss. There will be lots of activities and music throughout the day. From 9.30am to 3pm there will be a Village market. From 10 to 11am the Church bells will be ringing. At 11 the Ceilidh band begins entertaining all. At noon until 3 there will be nativity animals under the Christmas tree. Father Christmas starts his journey into Widecombe at 1.30 when he tours the village ending up outside the National Trust shop to distribute gifts. At 3 o'clock Father Christmas will be on his way to the sound of church bells pealing. Just in time for the Carol Service at 3.30p.m and children can have a "Santa Special" meal for just £1!!! For detailed information about Santa's visit, telephone 01364 621321 or see the full programme of events on this clickable website.

Sunday 19th December. 3 hour guided walk, distance of 3 miles, 'Mid-Winter Birdwatch' in Trendlebere. A walk to see resident birds and winter visitors. Please bring binoculars and do not wear brightly coloured clothing. The guide will be P Page telephone on 07858 421148

Sunday 19th December. It's a free entry to Antiques and Collector's Fayre at Tavistock Town Hall today. There will be stalls filled with all manner of things from a bygone age. Furniture + ornaments. Interesting for all the family. 10- 4 pm
Refreshments will be on offer. Telephone 01822 617232 or see Tavistock Town Hall website for further details.

Sunday 19th December From 12 noon to 3 in the afternoon, it's Christmas Taste and Tipple in the National Trust Shop at Castle Drogo. A wide selection for you to try at this festive time to help your celebrations go with a swing. Each Sunday will be a different offer, telephone 01647 434144 for more details.
Monday 20th December Christmas Bingo, your last chance to shout 'house!' before Christmas.

Doors open at 7.30 and eyes down at 8p.m.

At Whiddon Down Village Hall where you will be made warm and welcome.

Fresh poultry and meat from the local butcher as some of the good prizes.

 

Wednesday 22nd December 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 22nd December Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 23rd December 9a.m. to 1p.m.

at Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall.

Each Thursday near the Globe Inn, in Buckfastleigh Centre.

Why not give it a whirl ?
You might find that little last minute gift that you've been looking for.

Monday 27th December to Sunday 2nd January 11 – 4p.m. Wind Down and Warm Up. Relax after Christmas with a walk
in the fresh air of Castle Drogo Gardens and Estate, recharge your batteries in our café and indulge in some retail
therapy away from the crowds in our shop! Make a New Year’s resolution and add it to our resolution tree.
Children can also follow our trail around the gardens and grounds to discover the extreme activities some people take part in order to 'Wind Down and Warm Up'. Winter admission charges apply + £1.50 per trail (including a prize).
You can find more on the Castle website by clicking here.

Tuesday 28th December. If you are in Chagford on the evening of Tuesday 28th.Then you might like to know that Nell Hubbard, Jess Avis, Marcus Vergette and Johnny Fuller all plan to be there to provide musical entertainment for you at the Ring O' Bells pub in the Square. From 9p.m. to 11. The pub serves good food, so why not book a table for your evening meal before the show? Johnny Fuller can be reached on 01647 441130 or 07977 486135 In case you need to confirm that the weather has not stopped play.

New Years Eve ~ 31st December 2010 into 2011.

Come and see the new year in with the Johnny Fuller Band at the Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton, EX6 6QN from 9 in the evening to 1 in the morning. Tickets are just £5 on the door.

Telephone 01647 281224 with any enquiries.