Exbourne Local History Group

Programme of Speakers 2019/20

16th April "The History of Photography" – Rupert Stockwin

 Rupert will guide us through the important moments and events from the creation of the first

photo through to the digital age He will also talk about the importance of family photographs.

 

21st May  Research in the Parish Churchyard with Tim Hawkins

 Members are invited to join us to hear about Tim’s work so far and then start our contribution

to this work by photographing and transcribing the inscriptions from the gravestones in the old

part of the graveyard. Please note this event starts at 2p.m .at the Church

 

18th June "Tavistock - 1000 years of History" - Andrew Thompson

 For nearly 1000 years Tavistock was dominated by two wealthy and powerful institutions: the

medieval Benedictine abbey and the Dukes of Bedford. This guided walk  traces their influence

in the street patterns, medieval ruins and Georgian and Victorian architecture of one of

England’s most attractive market towns which has been described as the urban jewel of the

Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. The walk starts at 2p.m. Travel details tbc

 

16th July “Lundy” – Simon Dell

 Simon’s talk will look at the historical and archive photographs of Lundy Island and also give you

a taste of this lovely island today hopefully inspiring you make a visit! Simon is a regular visitor

to Lundy leading guided walks there.

 

Sunday 8th Sept “Life in Exbourne and its Environs during WW2” - an exhibition.

 During 2018 and 2019 our researchers have been looking at a varied range of resources to

discover more about life in this area during World War Two. This exhibition, in Exbourne Village

Hall, will showcase our findings. 2-5p.m.

 Devon Cream Teas will be served throughout the afternoon!

 

15th Oct “The Postman Poet” – Liz Shakespeare

 A chance to learn about the life of Bideford’s Postman Poet, Edward Capern (who wrote his poems while delivering the post),

and his rise from obscurity to national renown. This story captures the opportunities and inequalities of the

Victorian Age.

 

19th Nov “The Life and Times of Tom Robins” – Dr Stuart Windsor

 Stuart’s great-grandfather Tom Robins was an Exmoor Hill farmer in the 1940s and ‘50s.

He did a huge amount to champion the cause of Hill Farmers. Tom started farming in 1908 and

kept a day book over the next 50 years, all of which still exist. This talk traces his life and the

changes that took place during this time, including the awarding of an MBE in 1954 in recognition

of his contribution to farming and his beloved Exmoor

 

17th Dec Our Christmas Celebration

Our members dinner – to be held at The Railway, North Tawton

 

21st Jan “The Devon Historic Environment Record and the prehistory and early history of Exbourne and its region” – Bill Horner

 Bill is the Devon County Archaeologist and is talk will cover the sorts of work he and his team

carry out and the sources they use. The particular historical focus will be prehistoric and Roman

sites.

 

18th Feb “Burrator Reservoir” – Paul Rendell

 Paul’s talk will focus on the creation of Burrator Reservoir and the impact it had on the people

and the farms of the village of Sheepstor and its valley.

 

17th Mar The AGM followed by “Sandford Heritage” - Mike Brett

 The economic importance of serge to the village of Sandford in C17/C18. The Sandford

Heritage group commissioned the weaving of a type of serge called Sandford Perpetuana which

for a while was rated the best serge in the area , if not the country. This talk will also offer an

insight into the work of Sandford Heritage Group.