Highampton Local History Group


2018: July to December


July

Due to a misunderstanding, there was no speaker for the evening’s meeting and Charles stepped into the breach to give us an update on the current situation regarding Hatherleigh market and the development of the site proposed by Kingswood Homes.  This development would not only include new homes but also a medical centre and supermarket.  Provision would also be made for the market to continue but in a much reduced manner.


Many concerns have been raised about the development not least of which is the lack of sufficient parking in the area.  


Charles also advised the group about the role of “Ruby Country” locally and presented alternative proposals if they were successful in obtaining the market as a community asset.  Ruby Country administer the market and would like it to be upgraded but retain the space it has now.  So many markets locally are failing or being reduced to an uneconomical size and Ruby Country are keen to see that this does not happen to Hatherleigh market.


A vote of thanks was given to Charles for his impromptu and interesting talk and the evening closed with the usual refreshments.


August


In August the group welcomed back Simon Dell who entertained us with a fascinating and very knowledgeable illustrated talk on Lundy Island which lies approximately ten miles off the North Devon cost in the mouth of the Bristol Channel.


Simon explained the history of Lundy which is now owned by the National Trust.  It is a haven for all kinds of wildlife and visitors can enjoy its beauty and solitude.  Granite was quarried there for many years and workings and associated buildings/ruins can still be seen today. Lundy, we were told, played significant roles in both World Wars.  A very enjoyable look at life, over time, on this beautiful island.


The evening ended with the usual refreshments.


September


For our September meeting, Charles introduced Dennis Bater who gave a knowledgeable and entertaining illustrated talk of local interest with photographs of buildings that are no longer standing and the now defunct railway together with stories and photos of local characters from the past.  Dennis concluded his talk with some fascinating videos of the Hatherleigh Players’ past performances.


The evening ended with the usual refreshments.


October


For our October meeting, the Group was delighted to welcome back Paul Rendall who gave an interesting and informative illustrated talk on the use of water on Dartmoor.  Water has been used as a source of power and a mode of transport for many years and also, of course, for drinking.  There are a number of reservoirs located on, or in close proximity to, Dartmoor which caused some controversy regarding land clearance and flooding.


An interesting ‘walk’ through the history of the importance of the waterways of Dartmoor.


The evening ended with the usual refreshments.


November


For our November meeting, the Group was delighted to welcome Lt Cl Tony Clarke who gave a fascinating insight into the history of the military on Dartmoor.  He provided photographs and illustrations showing the importance of the moor for training purposes throughout many decades but in particular, during WW1 and WW2.  The inception, growth and importance of Okehampton Army Camp was highlighted during this informative illustrated talk.


The evening ended with the usual refreshments.


December


In place of our meeting in December, several Group members and a number of village residents met in the Golden Inn to enjoy a festive bring ‘n share supper to start off the Christmas festivities.  During the evening Glenn Rose, Chairman of the Parish Council, presented our village postman, Stewart, with a retirement gift as a ‘thank you’ for his many years as our ever helpful and cheerful postie.  A very enjoyable and convivial evening was had by all.


Back to top


Copyright © site designed by the late Simon Ward and managed by his wife Carole