Widecombe-in-the-Moor

Widecombe-in the-Moor

Widecombe History Group launching the A_Z
Widecombe History Group launching the A-Z of Devon Dialect at Widecombe Fair 2017

A book featuring an a-z of Devon dialect has recently been published thanks to a Parishscapes grant awarded to the Widecombe History Group.  

The book was inspired by a traditional rhyme quoted by the late ‘Wag of Widecombe’ Anthony (Tony) Beard and was illustrated by Widecombe-based artist Joanna Radford, who sadly passed away in 2016. The dialect featured in the book includes some local examples and much of the original artwork was inspired by scenes and locations from around the parish.  

The book was launched at Widecombe Fair on 12th September 2017 and the event was attended by Anthony Beard’s widow Wendy, members of Joanna Radford’s family and members of the local community.  

Parishscapes project lead and Moor than meets the eye Community Heritage Officer Emma Stockley explains “publishing this beautiful dialect book has helped to preserve an element of Dartmoor’s heritage that is seldom recorded in written form.  The project wouldn’t have happened without the kind support of the Radford family and Widecombe History Group, so a huge thanks to them for all their hard work in making this project a reality”.    

Nick Radford, Joanna’s son elaborates “there were only five handprinted copies of the Devon Dialect Alphabet book, plus a few facsimiles. Joanna and Anthony were both members of the Widecombe History Group, and their intention was that a version of the book should benefit the group. The Parishscapes grant enabled the book to be published on a larger scale, bringing it to a wider audience, and in doing so, helping to raise money for the Widecombe History Group to fund its community projects. We are very grateful to the Parishscapes project for making this possible.”

Sales from the book will support a legacy of future community heritage projects within the parish, led by the History Group.  To buy a copy of the book, please visit https://www.widecombe-in-the-moor.com/history/alphabet/

Pig House

The Old Pig House, Widecombe

A second Parishscapes grant was awarded to Widecombe History Group, this time to support the restoration of the Old Pig House.  The building, located close to the Saxon Well near the village centre, has been restored using traditional materials and a small stock-proof memorial garden for the community and visitors to enjoy has been created from adjacent land. The site include a noticeboard that will house interpretation panels for visitors as well as local information about flora and fauna, Dartmoor rural skills, village life and history. The Pig House itself will contain farming artefacts and the interior will be viewable through clear acrylic panels.

For more information and images of the restored pig house, click here.

Next Steps

For more information, please contact the Community Heritage Officer and Parishscapes project lead Emma Stockley emma@moorthanmeetstheeye.org

01822 890 904
07749 855 373

Related Articles

Manaton

‘Opening Up Emsworthy’ was Manaton’s first Parishscapes project. The aim was to build boardwalks, fences and gates, and clear dense scrub, in order to allow visitors to access and delight in the whole of this beautiful site on Dartmoor. Local communities have been helping to install bridges, boardwalks, fencing and steps to provide access to riverbank areas.

Read more

Buckland-in-the-Moor

This project is funding the restoration of the Ten Commandment Stones.

Read more

Inspired by Granite

Bovey Tracey launched its Granite Elements Parishscape project on Tuesday 1st March at the splendid Colehayes Field Studies Centre. The project aims to bring together artists, historians and the local community to celebrate Dartmoor’s granite heritage by shining a light on the old granite tramway which ran from Haytor Quarry all the way down to Stover Canal. Despite being built in 1820 it is still visible in many places and the project will get people walking along parts of it, there will be clean up tasks and there will be an exhibition of artists' work to be held at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

Read more

Last update: 05 Oct 2018 2:25pm